SAFEEN Group, part of AD Ports Group, has announced its trials of an electric tug within its marine services fleet, the first of its kind in the Middle East. The group will deploy the electric tug at AD Ports Group’s flagship facility, Khalifa Port.
SAFEEN Group unveiled the Damen RSD-E Tug 2513 during the 27th International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards 2024, Dubai.
This tug is an all-electric harbor tug that provides numerous advantages including zero emissions from ‘tank to propeller’. Moreover, it boosts operational efficiency as it boasts a 70-ton bollard pull able to handle the largest vessels. In addition, it is cost-effective since it needs lower maintenance costs compared to its diesel counterparts.
Electrification strategy
At first, SAFEEN Group will operate the electric tug using generators that comply with the latest emission IMO tier 3 regulations. Despite using generators, this operation remains more fuel-efficient compared to traditional ASD tugs.
SAFEEN Group expects this trial to pave the way for an electrification strategy for the marine services fleet. The strategy will include a shore facility at Khalifa Port capable of delivering 1.5 MW of power for charging to accommodate the tugs. With a shore charging facility, the tug will benefit from its full electric potential, contributing significantly to the reduction of the maritime sector’s carbon footprint.
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“Implementing electric tugs into our operations aligns with our local and global ambitions for greener maritime operations,” stated Captain Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, CEO, maritime & shipping cluster, AD Ports Group.
The RSD-E 2513 has become famous in the maritime industry after winning the ‘Tug of the Year’ award in 2022. This award highlights the vessel’s innovative design and its contribution to environmental sustainability.
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