Working Conditions Aboard the Vb-Emotion

Boskalis, the prominent Dutch maritime services provider, is set to divest another tug unit as it partners with Kotug International in a significant transaction. The two companies have officially entered into a letter of intent (LOI) for the sale of Kotug Smit Towage to the renowned Boluda Group. As part of this strategic move, Boskalis anticipates a cash inflow of around EUR 90 million ($102.3 million) from its 50% ownership stake in the joint venture, marking a pivotal step in the company's ongoing business realignment and expansion efforts.

A milestone event unfolded on Thursday, June 18, as the Port of Bremerhaven witnessed the official naming ceremony of RT Emotion, the pioneering hybrid tug to navigate German waters. The prestigious event was graced by Annika Bootsman-Kleberg, a distinguished member of Wallenius’ Board and granddaughter to the renowned Swedish maritime entrepreneur Olof Wallenius, the founder of Wallenius Lines. Surrounded by family, friends, and business associates from KOTUG and Damen Shipyards Group, she proudly unveiled the tug's name, marking a significant advancement in sustainable maritime operations in Germany.

The Port of Rotterdam welcomed the RT Emotion on Saturday, December 27th, marking a significant addition to its maritime fleet. The RT Emotion, a noteworthy sister vessel to the RT Evolution and the second of the ART 80-32 hybrid Rotortugs, arrived as part of Kotug's latest venture in innovative maritime technology. In the upcoming weeks, Damen Shipyards Group will finalize the outfitting and comprehensive testing of this state-of-the-art vessel, which showcases the next generation of Robert Allan's design: the ART 80-32 Hybrid. Notably, the RT Evolution has recently commenced its own operations in the bustling Port of Rotterdam, further emphasizing the impact of hybrid technology on the industry's future.