The world’s first
electric pusher tug, Kotug International’s E-Pusher Type M, is now, as we reported earlier, transporting cocoa beans for Cargill from the Port
of Amsterdam, the largest cocoa import port in the world, to Cargill’s cocoa
factory in Zaandam, the Netherlands.
Inside the tug is a container with an EST-Floatech battery system that supplies
all its energy needs.
EST-Floattech’s team
developed the custom built containerized solution with its Octopus High Energy modules in a process that started out by defining the
amount of energy needed for the propulsion and auxiliary systems and then
designing the custom built containerized solution.
The container is certified
to the EU’s ESTRIN requirements for inland waterways vessels, testifying to its robustness
and safety. This containerized solution allows the electric pusher tug to make
about three trips from Zaandam to Amsterdam and back with the Octopus Series
Container being chargedwith green energy three times at the Cargill facility in
Zandaam,
EST-Floatech’s
engineers specifically designed the battery solution inside this container
based on the sailing profile of the E-Pusher, creating a container with a
capacity of 2 MWh.
“By selecting
EST-Floattech’s cutting-edge containerized battery system, Kotug is proud to
lead the maritime industry towards a greener future,” said Kotug CEO and president
Ard-Jan Kooren. “The partnership with EST-Floattech signifies our commitment to
innovation and sustainability. With the
world’s first fully electric pusher boat powered by EST-Floattech’s technology,
we are setting a new standard for emission-free maritime transportation.
This milestone underscores KOTUG’s dedication to driving positive change in the
industry while delivering reliable and efficient solutions to our clients.”
“We are proud that we
have been given the chance to create this containerized energy storage system
for Kotug and contribute to the world’s
first emission-free and fully electric pusher tug,” said Walter van der
Pennen, commercial director at EST-Floattech. “We want to thank all our
partners for the seamless collaboration and making this truly groundbreaking
project possible.”