CMB.TECH and Damen announced their collaboration on H₂-powered ASD Tugs. Built by Damen, these vessels use CMB.TECH's innovative dual fuel H₂ technology that will significantly reduce emissions.

The collaboration for the first four vessels was signed on 23 May at Albwardy Damen in Sharjah. The signing took place during the 27th International Tug & Salvage (ITS) Convention in Dubai. Earlier that day, classification society Lloyd’s Register presented CMB.TECH and Damen with an approval in principle (AiP) for the H₂ solution that will be installed in the tugs.

“We are delighted once again to be working with CMB.TECH. Our two family-owned companies share the same long-term view and commitment to the maritime energy transition. We’re looking forward to continuing our collaboration and developing the next steps to make our ports – and our world – a greener place,” said Vincent Maes - Damen Area Sales Manager Benelux.

“This contract marks another very important step in the development of our H₂-powered vessel portfolio. ASD tugs are ideal assets to start the decarbonization of port operations. With our H₂ tugs, every port in the world will now be able to lower its carbon emissions and create demand for green H₂ production,” said Alexander Saverys - CEO of CMB.TECH.

“The AiP for CMB.TECH’s dual fuel H₂ technology represents a cost-effective decarbonization solution for tugs and will provide Damen’s new ASD tugs with dual fuel H₂ propulsion to greatly reduce the vessels’ emissions profile. Lloyd’s Register congratulates Damen and CMB.TECH for the successful realization of this innovative design and will continue to provide classification and advisory services that help to drive forward the maritime energy transition,” said Andy McKeran - Lloyd’s Register Chief Commercial Officer.

Damen and CMB.TECH have previously cooperated on the development of a series commissioning service operations vessels (CSOVs) - which are powered by dual fuel H₂ generator sets - the so-called Elevation Series, that Damen is building for CMB.TECH’s subsidiary Windcat.

The dual fuel H2 ASD Tugs 2812 FF-H2, with 80-tons bollard pull, that meet the most stringent IMO Tier III and EU Stage V standards, are a new step in the parties’ cooperation. The vessels will feature four highspeed dual fuel H₂ engines, designed to minimize NO_x and CO₂ emissions. They will also have modular storage systems for compressed H₂, ensuring safe storage below deck. Each tug can carry up to 16 H₂ bottles, storing a total of 736 kg of pressurized H₂ at 350 bar.

While these tugs will primarily run on H₂, they’re equipped to switch to traditional fuel if H₂ isn’t available and can operate on 100% traditional fuel if needed. The tugs feature a total of 160 m³ fuel holds.