CMB.TECH signed shipbuilding contract with Damen for four hydrogen-powered ASD tugs

CMB.TECH and Damen are pleased to announce their collaboration on hydrogen-powered ASD Tugs. Built by Damen, these vessels use CMB. TECH’s innovative dual-fuel hydrogen technology will significantly reduce emissions.

Damen and CMB.TECH has previously cooperated on the development of a series of Commissioning Service Operations Vessels (CSOV) – which are powered by dual-fuel hydrogen generator sets – the so-called Elevation Series that Damen is building for CMB.TECH’s subsidiary Windcat.

The dual fuel hydrogen ASD Tugs 2812 FF-H2, with 80-tonne bollard pull, that meet the most stringent IMO Tier III and EU Stage V standards, are a new step in the parties’ cooperation. The vessels will feature four high-speed dual-fuel hydrogen engines, designed to minimise NO_x and CO₂ emissions. They will also have modular storage systems for compressed hydrogen, ensuring safe storage below deck. Each tug can carry up to 16 hydrogen bottles, storing a total of 736kg of pressurized hydrogen at 350 bar.

While these tugs will primarily run on hydrogen, they’re equipped to switch to traditional fuel if hydrogen isn’t available and can operate on 100% traditional fuel if needed. The tugs feature a total of 160m³ fuel holds.

Andy McKeran said, “The AiP for CMB.TECH’s dual-fuel hydrogen technology represents a cost-effective decarbonisation solution for tugs and will provide Damen’s new ASD tugs with dual-fuel hydrogen propulsion to greatly reduce the vessels’ emissions profile. Lloyd’s Register congratulates Damen and CMB.TECH for the successful realisation of this innovative design and will continue to provide classification and advisory services that help to drive forward the maritime energy transition.”