Discover the Vb-Kracht: Ratings & Maritime News

On January 18, 2020, the tugboat 'RT Adriaan' made a noteworthy entrance into Stellendam's port for essential maintenance work at Damen Maaskant Shipyards. Following the completion of its dry dock repair operations, the vessel set sail sporting its fresh identity as 'VB Kracht.' This rename marks the tugboat's continued journey in the bustling Port of Rotterdam region, enhancing its capabilities and service reliability in one of Europe's key maritime hubs.

KOTUG is thrilled to reveal the successful development of Europe's very first hybrid tugboat, named E-KOTUG. Since November 2011, the Rotor®Tug RT Adriaan has been undergoing a transformation at the Port of Rotterdam, where it has been retrofitted with the state-of-the-art XeroPoint Hybrid Propulsion System from AKA Canada. Following this significant upgrade, the conversion process was finalized by March 6, 2012, allowing the RT Adriaan to rejoin the KOTUG fleet as a hybrid-equipped vessel. With its new capabilities, E-KOTUG RT Adriaan is set to enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. The official launch of this remarkable tugboat is scheduled for April or May 2012, marking a new era in maritime operations.

On May 17, 2011, during the prestigious International Tug and Salvage Conference in Antwerp, Belgium, groundbreaking news emerged regarding the development of Europe’s inaugural hybrid tugboat. The innovative project is spearheaded by the Canadian engineering firm Aspin, Kemp and Associates (AKA) in collaboration with the Dutch tug operator KOTUG International. This ambitious venture will see the retrofitting of KOTUG's tug RT Adriaan in the Port of Rotterdam with AKA's cutting-edge ‘XeroPoint Hybrid Propulsion System’. Harbour tugs such as the RT Adriaan are vital for a myriad of operations, including 'Stand-by for pilot’s orders', short transit journeys, and essential ship berthing and un-berthing tasks. It's noted that such tugs rarely operate at peak power levels for extended periods. In fact, operational studies have revealed that they commonly function at low engine loads. This hybrid technology aims to enhance efficiency and sustainability in vessel operations. Interested readers can find more details through this link: http://articles.maritimepropulsion.com/article/Green-Energy-to-Fuel-First-Hybrid-Tug-in-Europe-2096.aspx