The Hydrotug 1 is powered by two BeHydro V12 dual fuel medium speed engines that can burn hydrogen in combination with traditional fuel, resulting in an overall 65% reduction in fuel consumption and associated emissions. Each motor provides 2 megawatts of power and an impressive bollard pull of 65 tonnes. These engines also have the latest EU Stage V emissions after-treatment technology.

"Port of Antwerp-Bruges wants to fully exploit [hydrogen's] potential and is committed to being an active pioneer in the hydrogen economy on a European scale," said Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

"The Hydrotug 1 is another big step towards zero-carbon shipping and proves that there is a vibrant energy transition industry in Antwerp, Belgium and Europe," said Alexander Saverys, the CEO of CMB.TECH.

Hydrogen is one of the keys to an economy and society with minimum environmental impact. As such, it is one of the fuels of the future. "The Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to develop its potential to the full, committing itself as an active pioneer in the hydrogen economy on a European scale," Vandermeiren.