Antwerp: Antwerp Port, one of Europe’s largest, has launched its first electric tugboat, Volta 1, manufactured in Vietnam, showcasing the country’s green shipbuilding capabilities. The electrification of tugboats aligns with efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in transport, a sector with significant CO2 output. Replacing diesel-powered tugboats along the Scheldt River, Volta 1, built by a Dutch company in Vietnam, is noted as Europe’s first electric tug of its kind. Its advanced batteries reportedly enable 12-hour operations with a 70-ton pull, emitting no direct CO2.
According to Vietnam News Agency, the introduction of Volta 1 marks a significant step towards sustainable maritime operations in Europe. The tugboat’s deployment at Antwerp Port is part of a broader strategy to enhance environmental sustainability in the region’s shipping industry. By replacing conventional diesel-powered tugboats with electric alternatives, the port aims to substantially lower its carbon footprint and set a precedent for other ports across the continent.