Svitzer Shifts to Design Phase for Project Involving Methanol Hybrid Fuel Cell Tug

Towage operator Svitzer has embarked on the second phase of its groundbreaking mission to design the world's first-ever methanol hybrid fuel cell tug. This initiative aims to give rise to a self-sufficient tugboat with extended endurance and fewer operational constraints compared to vessels reliant solely on battery power.

Svitzer, operating as part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, has aligned its ambitions with Maersk's strategic target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2040. This goal is complemented by interim reduction objectives set for the year 2030.

At the heart of this endeavor lies the concept of the methanol hybrid fuel cell (MHFC) tug. Envisioned with an advanced electrical propulsion system that seamlessly integrates methanol fuel cells and batteries, this innovative design carries the potential to avert the annual emission of approximately 1,300 tonnes of CO₂ into the atmosphere.

In this progressive phase, Svitzer has engaged in a partnership with esteemed naval architect Robert Allan. This collaborative effort encompasses finalizing the intricate details of vessel design, addressing considerations for construction procedures, and meticulously selecting the requisite onboard equipment crucial for the successful fabrication of the vessel.

Gareth Prowse, Head of Decarbonisation at Svitzer, articulated his excitement about the project's evolution, emphasizing, "We're genuinely thrilled to take the next step in the realization of the world's first methanol hybrid fuel cell tug. This venture represents a significant milestone within Svitzer's commitment to decarbonize our global fleet. It also underscores our capability to leverage pioneering technologies and alternative fuels, enabling us to introduce innovations that will have a profound impact on the maritime industry's ambitious journey towards achieving net-zero emissions."

Leveraging Svitzer's TRAnsverse tug design as its foundational framework, the vessel's architecture is poised to merge innovative concepts with proven practices. Beyond this design phase, Svitzer intends to forge partnerships with other stakeholders to collaboratively choose onboard equipment and extend comprehensive support throughout the ensuing construction phase.

With operations anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2025 at the Port of Gothenburg in Sweden, the MHFC tug aligns harmoniously with the port's strategic objective to curtail shipping emissions within its vicinity by a remarkable 70% before 2030. Göran Eriksson, CEO of the Port of Gothenburg, underscores the pivotal role that transitioning from conventional fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives such as green methanol plays in realizing these ambitious emissions reduction targets. Jim Hyslop, Director of Project Development Principle at Robert Allan, emphasizes the significance of this initiative in the endeavor to decarbonize the tug industry. Proudly at the forefront of developments in innovative technologies, he signifies the substantial stride that this undertaking represents toward a more sustainable maritime future.