Kotug focuses on inland shipping

Key to the new initiative is a range of modular and scalable electric pusher tugs, the E-Pusher Series, powered by swappable energy containers. The series currently comprises three models ranging from 5.5 to 22 metres in length and a maximum depth of 0.45 to 1.35 metres, resulting in a draft said to be 30% less than conventional pusher tug designs.

“The inland shipping market offers a great opportunity for sustainable logistical solutions,” said Ard-Jan Kooren, chief executive of Kotug International. “As an innovative company we have created ready-to-market products for the inland shipping industry by combining our technical expertise of ship design and digitisation of the marine industry,” he added.

Kotug has used a modular approach, reducing construction time of its new series by more than 25% compared to traditional vessels. The company has also developed various energy containers ranging from Stage V diesel, biogas and hydrogen to battery solutions. In partnership with Circle Line Logistics, Kotug has created Kotug CityBarge and launched a 5.5m E-Pusher in Leiden to provide a zero-emission alternative to heavy goods vehicles in inner cities.

The company is using its dispatching, route and reporting tool, OptiPort, which helps fleet owners optimise expected departure and arrival times, routing and speed control. The system launched in 2017 and is currently in use by vessel operators in Australia, Japan, the US, Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands.