SAFEEN Group, a division of AD Ports Group, has revealed that it is testing an electric tug within its Marine Services fleet, the first of its type in the Middle East.
This will reportedly be deployed at AD Ports Group’s flagship facility, Khalifa Port.
The Damen RSD-E Tug 2513 was unveiled at the 27th International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards 2024 in Dubai, UAE.
It is an all-electric harbour tug that is expected to provide numerous benefits, including zero emissions from ‘Tank to Propeller’, operational efficiency thanks to a 70-tonne bollard pull capable of handling the largest vessels, and cost-effectiveness due to lower maintenance costs compared to diesel-powered counterparts.
Initially, the tug will be powered by generators that meet the newest emission IMO tier 3 criteria. Despite the use of generators, this setup is still more fuel-efficient than standard ASD tugs.
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The trial initiative is expected to pave the way for a formalised electrification strategy for the marine services fleet.
According to AD Ports, future plans include a shore facility at Khalifa Port that can offer 1.5 megawatts (MW) of charging electricity to such tugs.
With a shore charging station in place, the tug can fully utilise its electric capabilities, greatly decreasing the carbon impact of marine activities.
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Captain Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, CEO – Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “We are very proud to have the first electric tug in the Middle East join our fleet. Implementing electric tugs into our operations aligns with our local and global and local ambitions for greener maritime operations.”
