Damen Shipyards has named its new ART 80-32 Hybrid Rotortug, built for towage operator Kotug.
The new Rotortug, named RT Emotion, has already started its towage activities in the German Port of Bremerhaven.
Damen chief commercial officer Arnout Damen said: "Damen and Kotug have worked together closely in the development of the ART80-32 Rotortugs.
"We are proud of this collaboration, which has resulted in significantly reduced emissions and fuel consumption, as well as outstanding performance."
Currently, Kotug operates three hybrid Rotortugs, including RT Emotion. Its RT Adriaan and RT Evolution, both 32m, hybrid, next-generation ART80-32 Rotortugs, are operating in the Port of Rotterdam.
This Hybrid Rotortug delivers high manoeuvrability and can cruise a maximum speed of 13.7k.
The Rotortug propulsion configuration consists of three diesel-driven azimuthing thrusters and the tug features 100% bollard pull over the bow, 100% bollard pull over the stern and 65% bollard pull sideways.
This propulsion system allows the vessel to conduct the transfer between high-speed escorting operations and low-speed assistance operations in a fully controlled manner.
Moreover, E-KOTUG series vessels offer 50% less harmful emissions, significant noise reduction, cleaner combustion and substantial maintenance savings, along with better fuel economy.
The vessels are equipped with three electric motors, along with a battery pack and an intelligent XeroPoint hybrid propulsion system.
RT Evolution’s naming ceremony took place at the Greenwich Ship Tier in London in May.
Image: The Damen-built ART 80-32 Hybrid Rotortug, RT Emotion. Photo: courtesy of Damen Shipyards Group.
