Damen launches first hybrid tug

The hybrid vessel is the first ever for Damen and is the company’s latest ‘green’ initiative. The ASD 2810 Hybrid has a diesel electric propulsion system and a bollard pull of 60 tonnes. Its combined propulsion allows for average fuel savings of between 10% and 30% and cuts emissions by 20% to 60%. LED lighting and a special paint coating also makes the vessel more environmentally friendly for at least five years.

Erik van Schaik, design and proposal engineer, Damen Tugs, said: “In the past many green solutions were simply too expensive for the tugboat market. We were very mindful that this vessel had to cut fuel and emissions, but at the same time it had to be positioned at an attractive price for the market. We wanted to make being green commercially attractive too.”

The vessel delivers enough power to prevent the main engines from regularly running idle or at low loads and reduces fuel consumption and noxious gas particles.

Damen are also offering battery packs to allow all engines to be shut down during station keeping, manoeuvering and free sailing at low speeds. These will be incorporated into the Iskes Hybrid along with double drum winches, wooden decks and an open stern with towing pins and chain stopper forks.