Europe' s first hybrid Rotor®Tug E-KOTUG operating in Port of Rotterdam

In partnership with Aspin, Kemp and Associates (AKA) the construction of Europe’s first hybrid tugboat has been developed. As from 14 November 2011 Rotor®Tug RT Adriaan, operating in the Port of Rotterdam, is retrofitted with a XeroPoint Hybrid Propulsion System. As from March 6th 2012, this conversion is completed and the first E-KOTUG rejoined the KOTUG fleet to optimize its hybrid modes. The EKOTUG is the first hybrid tug built under class-certification.

During the conversion of its patented and certified hybrid Rotor®Tug, KOTUG was encouraged and inspired by the hybrid tug of Foss Maritime California. In partnership with AKA Canada, supplier of the Xeropoint Hybrid Propulsion System, an extremely environmentally friendly and fuel-saving tugboat was developed. “RT Adriaan”, one of the newest Rotor®Tugs, was retrofitted with this system and ensures that the electric and diesel engines, generators and environmentally-friendly batteries will be controlled. It’s resulting in efficiently sailing. KOTUG believes that the hybrid option is the best solution for harbour tugboats, due to its highly variable duty cycle.

Green results E-KOTUG

50% reduce of harmful emissions

Noiseless

Improved fuel economy and cleaner combustion

CO₂-reduction thanks to improved fuel economy

Maintenance savings

KOTUG’s Green Performance
International maritime service provider KOTUG has built its reputation as an innovative player, thanks to years of experience and knowledge. KOTUG and its employees have an active Go Green policy. We see sustainability and innovation as a challenge, we worked these values into our business strategies. Most visible examples of our green commitment are shutting of ship engines and relying on shore-side power in the port, LED lighting on board, green passport for our tug materials, washable filters, sulphur free bunker fuels and winning the Fuel Save Competition for Dutch Inland Shipping.

KOTUG demonstrates with its E-KOTUG its ongoing commitment to the environment and the lowering of emissions.

“Our company is committed to hybrid technology. To be a leader for our community and to be good for the environment means for us a challenge”, said Ard-Jan Kooren - CEO van KOTUG International.

KOTUG collaborates with other parties who are seeking durability in the maritime sector. With the business network Deltalinqs Energy Forum, KOTUG is ambassador for promoting the sustainable inland shipping. A Letter of Cooperation has been signed with the Municipality of Rotterdam and the Rotterdam Climate Initiative.

E-KOTUG: Clean and simple
For standing-by or for very low power operations, electrical energy storage permits the vessel to be operated in noiseless zero emissions mode, with no rotating machinery running.

Reduced emissions of CO₂, NOxm PM2.5 and smut: With Xeropoint Hybrid technology, engines run at or near best efficiency- and only when needed. Lower fuel usage and cleaner combustion contribute to reducing harmful emissions.

Improved fuel economy: Main engines of Rotor®Tugs are designed for a high output. Because Hybrid technology shares the propulsion load between diesel and electrical sources, it means no unnecessary idling.

Noiseless: For standing-by or for very low power operations, electrical energy storage permits the vessel to be operated in noiseless zero emissions mode, with no rotating machinery running.

Maintenance savings: Hybrid technology means minimized engine use and more time between engine overhauls and oil and filter changes.

Healthy Workplace: Hybrid technology allows engines to be shut down at sea. Fast switching from hybrid modes with electrical engines to conventional modes with diesel engines is possible. For low power operations E-KOTUG is fully operable on battery power alone.

In a press release KOTUG stated “We were very happy to be working with AKA on this exciting project. Like AKA, KOTUG has established a reputation as an innovator in the work boat industry. Our Rotor Tug concept is an example of our ability to turn a good idea into reality. We believe that introducing AKA’s hybrid technology into our fleet is the next step in demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the environment.”

AKA’s award winning XeroPoint Hybrid system has proven successful in reducing emissions and creating significant fuel and maintenance cost savings. AKA remarked “AKA is pleased to be working with KOTUG in the continued deployment of practical hybrid solutions in the workboat industry. We are fortunate to have clients like KOTUG that recognize technology’s role in improving their environmental performance.” AKA is committed to incorporating innovative advances in energy storage technologies as evidenced by the use of Corvus Energy’s advanced lithium polymer batteries for this project.