Kotug to work with Padmos for electric pusher tugs construction

Offshore towage specialist Kotug International has signed a framework agreement with Padmos for the construction of the entire lineup of its fully electric pusher boats.

The electric pusher tugs, known as E-Pushers, have three models depending on size – the S, M, and L. The series sizes range from 9–22 meters in length, with a maximum depth of 0.85–1.35 meters, resulting in a draft 30% less than conventional pusher tug designs.

The swappable energy containers encompass stage V diesel, (bio)gas, hydrogen, and battery solutions. The vessels are also equipped to eliminate harmful emissions, including CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter.

The framework agreement follows the successful commissioning of the groundbreaking M model named E-Pusher 1, also constructed by Padmos.

Since June 2023, E-Pusher 1 has been working for Cargill in the North Holland region, transporting cocoa beans from Amsterdam to Zaandam. According to Kotug, this fully electric pusher boat, with barges, reduces CO2 emissions by 190,000 kg per year, equivalent to 15,000 single truck trips covering the same distance.