KOTUG Received KVNR Shipping Award for ART80-32 Hybrid Rotortugs

The KVNR Shipping Award jury unanimously awarded KOTUG for its first ‘next-generation ART80-32 Hybrid Rotortug series’. Mrs. Tineke Netelenbos, Chairman of the KVNR Shipping Award jury stated “The propulsion configuration of these new-generation ART80-32 Hybrid Rotortugs series draws on the proven design of KOTUG’s RT Adriaan, world’s first hybrid Rotortug built under class. In 2012 KOTUG retrofitted this conventional Rotortug into a hybrid Rotortug. RT Emotion and RT Evolution are newly designed Rotortugs, delivering optimal performance in different sailing profiles. The 'A' is for Advanced”. These next-generation series are remarkable thanks to various distinguishing features.

The optimized hull shape of the ART80-32 generation Rotortug allows ahead and astern speeds of well over 13 knots. In terms of bollard pull, 84 tons over the stern and 82 tons over the bow is achieved. The advanced design concept benefits from improved versatility, flexibility, and the ability to respond very quickly to changes in maneuvering requirements. The end result is a user-friendly, highly responsive tug, with focus on safety.

KOTUG nowadays operate three hybrid Rotortugs, the so-called E-KOTUG series in their total fleet of tugboats. RT Adriaan and RT Evolution are operating in the Port of Rotterdam and RT Emotion commenced her towage activities in the German port of Bremerhaven recently. RT Evolution and RT Emotion, both 32- meter hybrid next-generation ART80-32 Rotortugs are new Damen-built tugs and designed by an alliance of Rotortug B.V. in the Netherlands and Robert Allan Ltd in Canada.

“We are proud that our active green policy resulted in three fully classed E-KOTUG series of hybrid Rotortugs. The hybrid tugnology provides economic advantages by a very efficient and eco-friendly sailing profile, optimizes working conditions for the crew and minimizes harmful emissions”, said KOTUG’s CEO Ard-Jan Kooren. “The KVNR Shipping Award is the recognition of our green performance, innovative culture, imposed in all our services dedicated to the maritime industry”.

The green results of the E-KOTUG series are 50% reduction of harmful emissions, significant noise reduction, cleaner combustion and substantial maintenance savings thanks to improved fuel economy. The Rotortug’s hybrid capacity is generated by three electric motors, complemented by a battery pack and managed by an intelligent XeroPoint Hybrid Propulsion System.