The Netherlands-based EST-Floattech has been selected to supply the containerised energy solution for Kotug International’s E-Pusher, claimed to be the world’s first fully electric pusher tug.
The news follows hot on the heels of the framework agreement between Kotug and Stellendam, Netherlands shipbuilder Padmos to build the entire E-Pusher range of vessels.
At the heart of the E-Pushers are the swappable energy containers supplying power and providing options depending on the client’s requirements and this all-electric version will be used for the M-Type variant E-Pusher 1, which transports cocoa beans for global food corporation Cargill from Port of Amsterdam to Zaandam in the province of North Holland.
EST-Floattech has been developing the custom-built containerised solution with Octopus High Energy modules, initially to define the amount of energy needed for propulsion and auxiliary systems and then design the containerised solution.
The container was designed and constructed in little over half a year, EST-Floattech stating “thanks to the new production facilities for the Octopus Series” which will provide “reliable, emission-free power for the E-Pusher”. The container is ESTRIN-Certified, testifying to the robustness and safety of the maritime battery system.
The future?
The containerised solution will allow the E-Pusher to make around three round trips from Zaandam to Amsterdam for Cargill. When at Zaandam the container will be charged three times per week with green energy. EST-Floattech’s engineers designed the battery solution based on E-Pusher 1’s sailing profile involving a container with a capacity of 2MWh.
Transport on Europe’s inland waterways system, be it conventional barges or pusher tug/barge combinations, has traditionally involved fossil-fuelled internal combustion engines. Such voyages often pass built-up urban areas, including locations just metres away from residential properties.
Changing attitudes have impacted on this otherwise (relatively) environmentally friendly way of transporting goods in large quantities within Europe’s hinterland compared, for example, with road transport, including efficiencies from bulk carriage of goods.
As well as the pollution, noise is also a factor – not only for residents but of course the crews of the vessels themselves. The all-electric solution virtually eliminates both these forms of ‘pollution’.
Self-propelled barges accounted for more than half of total EU transport performance in 2022, over half of which are registered in the Netherlands. Costs will be an important factor for operators considering conversion to alternative-fuel operations, but with sources suggesting there are more than 15,000 such vessels in mainland Europe, cost reductions through economy of scale suggest such news will in future perhaps not be news as such, but the norm.
Walter van der Pennen, commercial director at EST-Floattech, said: “We are proud that we have been given the chance to create this containerised energy storage system for Kotug and contribute to the world’s first emission-free and fully electric pusher tug. We want to thank all our partners for the seamless collaboration and making this truly groundbreaking project possible.”
Ard-Jan Kooren, Kotug CEO and president, said: ”By selecting EST-Floattech’s cutting-edge containerised battery system, Kotug is proud to lead the maritime industry towards a greener future. The partnership with EST-Floattech signifies our commitment to innovation and sustainability. With the world’s first fully electric pusher boat powered by EST-Floattech’s technology, we are setting a new standard for emission-free maritime transportation.”
