KOTUG receives KVNR Shipping Award for its next-generation ART 80-32 Hybrid Rotortugs
Global towage operator KOTUG has received the KVNR Shipping Award for its ‘next-generation ART80-32 Hybrid Rotortugs’. During the 10th Dutch Maritime Awards Gala in Rotterdam, the KVNR (the Dutch shipowner’s association) presented the award to a delegation of KOTUG, Damen said in its press release.
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 and former cabinet minister Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, 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 optimised hull shape of the ART80-32 generation Rotortug allows ahead and astern speeds of well over 13 knots. In terms of bollard pull, 84 tonnes over the stern and 82 tonnes 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 are new Damen-built tugs and designed by an alliance of Rotortug B.V. in the Netherlands and Robert Allan Ltd in Canada.
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.
