🚢 Europe’s First Fully Electric Tugboat “Volta 1” Begins Operation in Antwerp
On May 19, 2025, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium) officially launched “Volta 1”, the first fully electric tugboat in Europe, according to a press release from the port authority.
The project was developed in collaboration with the shipbuilding company Damen. “Volta 1” is a tugboat with a Reversed Stern Drive (RSD), featuring a double bow design and equipped with the patented Twin Fin skeg, enhancing the vessel’s stability and maneuverability. This innovative design allows the tug to operate efficiently as both a bow and stern tug.
The vessel is powered by a 2782 MWh battery, enabling up to 12 hours of autonomous operation.
🔧 Key Specifications of “Volta 1”:
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Length: 24.73 m
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Beam: 13.13 m
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Freeboard: 6.5 m
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Bollard Pull: 70 tons
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Maximum Speed: 12 knots
In addition to “Volta 1”, five more energy-efficient RSD tugboats have been deployed in the port, replacing older vessels. This fleet renewal is part of a broader environmental program aimed at achieving zero emissions during port operations by 2050.
