KOTUG to Supply Lithuania’s First Zero-Emission Electric Pusher Tug

KOTUG International, via its subsidiary Kotug Push-it B.V., has secured a contract from the Lithuanian Inland Waterways Authority (VVKD) to deliver the first fully electric pusher tug for the Baltic region. This initiative reflects Lithuania’s commitment to modernizing its inland waterway infrastructure through environmentally sustainable solutions.

Following an international tender process and approval from the country’s National Security Coordination Commission, the electric vessel—designated as the EPUSHER-L—will be constructed at the Padmos Shipyard in Stellendam, Netherlands. Delivery and commissioning are expected by the end of next year, after a rigorous testing period.

Designed for operation on the Nemunas River, the EPUSHER-L will support cargo transport using barges supplied by VVKD. The vessel is engineered for endurance, capable of running up to 50 hours and covering 300 kilometers on a single charge. Transitioning from diesel to electric propulsion is projected to reduce annual carbon emissions by approximately 91,500 kilograms, significantly lowering the environmental impact of inland waterway logistics and maintenance.

Vladimiras Vinokurovas, Director General of VVKD, highlighted the broader goals behind the move: “This investment initiates our transition to an electric fleet. The first electric vessel will maintain inland waterway infrastructure, and additional units will follow in the near future.”

The project is co-financed by the European Union through the “Next Generation Lithuania” Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan, which earmarked €11 million for the development of low-emission inland shipping solutions. Alongside the electric pusher, VVKD plans to acquire an electric crane and update barge infrastructure.

KOTUG’s delivery to Lithuania builds on its earlier success with the E-Pusher M, launched in collaboration with Cargill two years ago. This new deployment further solidifies the company’s role in advancing clean propulsion technologies across inland and port operations. “KOTUG is proud to support Lithuania’s efforts to decarbonize its transport network,” said Ard-Jan Kooren, President and CEO of KOTUG International. “The EPUSHER-L represents the next step in zero-emission inland shipping—delivering performance without compromising sustainability.”