May 27, 2025
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges launched the Volta 1, Europe's first fully electric tugboat. The launch marks an important step in the port's integrated greening programme, with the ultimate goal of a climate-neutral operation by 2050.
Developed in close cooperation with Damen, the tugboat follows previous world firsts such as the Hydrotug (hydrogen-driven) and the Methatug (methanol-driven).
The Volta 1 is a Reversed Stern Drive (RSD) tugboat designed on a double bow principle and equipped with a patented Twin Fin skeg for optimal stability and manoeuvrability. As a result, it can be used flexibly as a front and back tugboat.
With its battery capacity of 2,782 MWh, recharged in as little as two hours via a powerful 1.5 MW charging station, the Volta 1 is completely emission-free and can cruise for up to 12 hours. Its towing power of 70 tons guarantees the same performance as a traditional diesel tug boat.
Source: Port of Antwerp-Bruges