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Netherlands-based KOTUG International B.V. has announced that the development of Europe’s first hybrid tugboat has been completed.

Rotor®Tug 'RT Adriaan', operating in the port of Rotterdam, has been retrofitted with AKA Canada's XeroPoint Hybrid Propulsion System. The conversion was completed on March 6th 2012 and RT Adriaan rejoined the KOTUG fleet as an E-KOTUG, optimizing its hybrid modes. E-KOTUG RT Adriaan will be officially launched in April-May 2012.

“We are happy with the first results of the E-KOTUG after its conversion into a hybrid Rotor®Tug" said Daan Merkelbach, Nautical & QHSE Manager of KOTUG International.

During the conversion of its patented and certified hybrid Rotor®Tug, KOTUG says it was inspired by the hybrid tug of Foss Maritime in California. In partnership with AKA Canada, supplier of the propulsion system, an environmentally friendly and fuel-saving tugboat was developed.

KOTUG says the new system ensures that the electric and diesel engines, generators and environmentally-friendly batteries are controlled. The company believes that the hybrid option is the best solution for harbour tugboats, due to its highly variable duty cycle.

Green Credentials

The Dutch firm says it has an active 'Go Green' policy. "We see sustainability and innovation as a challenge, we worked these values into our business strategies. Most visible examples of our green commitment are shutting of ship engines and relying on shore-side power in the port, LED lighting on board, green passport for our tug materials, washable filters, sulphur-free bunker fuels and winning the Fuel Save Competition for Dutch Inland Shipping," KOTUG said.

KOTUG also forms part of the business network Deltalinqs Energy Forum for the promotion of sustainable inland shipping. It has also signed a letter of cooperation with the Municipality of Rotterdam and the Rotterdam Climate Initiative.

"Our company is committed to hybrid technology. To be a leader for our community and to be good for the environment means for us a challenge," said Ard-Jan Kooren, CEO of KOTUG International.