The Damen Fuel Flexible Tugs range is ready for the future – whatever it may bring. In recent years, the maritime industry has faced many new regulations, signaling that energy transition is happening. For instance,...
The Damen Fuel Flexible Tugs range is ready for the future –
whatever it may bring.
In recent years, the maritime industry has faced many new regulations, signaling that energy transition is happening.
For instance, in 2024, the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) will include maritime transportation. Currently, this applies to vessels over 5,000 gross tonnes, but it may soon expand to all vessels above 400 gross tonnes by 2027 and even lower sizes thereafter.
Entering the carbon market
Many tug companies will need to significantly reduce their emissions and engage in the carbon market by purchasing credits to offset their carbon footprint, which can be quite expensive.
Additionally, vessel owners often struggle to secure funding. Nowadays, loans are typically only available to operators who can prove their investments are sustainable.
What’s the future fuel?
Even without these challenges, knowing what to invest in remains a question, according to Erik van Schaik, Product Manager for Tugs at Damen.
“A new tug ordered today might still be working three decades from now. Who can predict what fuel options will be available in five years, let alone 25 or 30?”
It's likely that there won't be a single dominant fuel type for maritime use in the future. Factors such as availability, infrastructure, technology maturity, and energy density will all influence the choice of fuel.
The operational profile of the vessel will also determine the suitable fuel type, he adds.
“For instance, if the operation involves predictable port towage, a fully electric, zero-emission approach is logical. Conversely, for operations that are less predictable and further offshore, a carbon-neutral solution like HVO or green methanol is more viable.”
Flexibility is key for the future
Right now, there's a lot of uncertainty. However, vessel owners have options; the key is not having all the answers today but being flexible enough to adapt when the time comes.
“This is the idea behind Damen’s Fuel Flexible (FF) Tugs series. These tugs use diesel propulsion, competitive in the current market, while being prepared for future changes.
“If, in the future, it becomes economically sensible or necessary to use hybrid propulsion, HVO, or methanol, you can make that switch when needed.”
The FF series includes three types of tugs – the ASD Tug 2512 FF, the ASD Tug 2713 FF, and the ASD Tug 3313 FF. These vessels measure 25 x 12, 27 x 13, and 33 x 13 meters, respectively, catering to different operational needs in ports, nearshore, and offshore environments.
Modular energy concept
Damen uses a modular energy concept for these tugs, Erik explains. They have designed the vessels with extra spaces that can be utilized in the future for alternative energy storage and handling. For now, these spaces remain empty as we wait to see what comes next.
When the time arrives, these tugs can quickly be converted into various configurations based on needs or preferences.
“Fuel flexible tugs allow for an easy retrofit from diesel or HVO to combinations of diesel or HVO plus methanol, or diesel or HVO plus battery electric PTI/PTO hybrid.
“The existing Damen diesel tug family and the new Fuel Flexible Tug family will have similar costs per ton bollard pull. Tug owners can adapt to a different energy source during a vessel's lifespan when they are confident there is a business case for it. If that opportunity never arises, there is no financial loss.”
The path ahead
“This means you have a single platform today that supports multiple configurations – diesel, HVO, hybrid, or methanol – and is ready for the future. Although some investment will be needed for conversion, it will only happen when you are certain your decision is relevant and likely to yield a return on investment.
“We believe this is a practical way forward. While no one can predict the future, the FF range provides operators with a smart solution: vessels suited for today's operations and prepared for tomorrow with minor adjustments. The FF Tugs allow operators to renew their fleets cost-effectively and confidently.”