Rijkswaterstaat launches development phase for near zero-emission emergency response towing vessels

Rijkswaterstaat has given the go-ahead for the research and development phase of the Power2Tow project. As part of this innovation partnership, three consortia will simultaneously develop new solutions for near zero-emission emergency towing vessels and the associated charging infrastructure at sea and on shore. To this end, Director-General Martin Wijnen signed the cooperation agreements with the three consortia on 30 June.

A distinctive feature of Power2Tow is that Rijkswaterstaat is entering the research and development phase together with the selected consortia. Within the innovation partnership, all three consortia have been commissioned and will receive remuneration to further develop and elaborate their proposed innovative solutions. This approach creates room for different technological directions and innovative ideas. The consortia will work on solutions for the vessels, charging infrastructure at sea and on shore, and the operational deployment of the overall system.

During the research and development phase, the proposals will be further developed, tested and assessed. Ultimately, one consortium will remain and will go on to actually realise the project for Rijkswaterstaat. This means that the contract for construction and operation can be awarded directly, without the need for a new tender procedure. Each consortium consists of a collaboration between various companies and/or organisations, each with its own expertise.

The consortia admitted to the research and development phase are:

• Kustkracht: Kotug International B.V., IHC Defence B.V. and Bluewater Energy Services B.V.
• Multraship Ocean Towage B.V., Damen Shipbuilding & Cooperation B.V. and Stillstrom A/S
• Smit Terminals Europe B.V. & Smit Salvage B.V.

Safety and sustainability on the North Sea
With Power2Tow, Rijkswaterstaat is working towards future-proof emergency towing capability on the North Sea. The project concerns the development of three electric Emergency Response Towing Vessels (ERTVs), which can be charged at sea using wind energy. These vessels will, among other things, protect offshore wind farms from collisions involving vessels in distress. The development of charging infrastructure at sea and on shore, as well as the provision of services for a period of 25 years, also forms part of Power2Tow. The vessels will operate electrically as much as possible. Sustainable e-methanol will be used for emergency towing operations. This will provide an important boost to the further sustainability of shipping.

Part of the Rijksrederij Fleet Renewal programme
Power2Tow is part of the Fleet Renewal programme for the Rijksrederij. Through this programme, Rijkswaterstaat is working on the sustainable renewal of the government fleet. Power2Tow also contributes to the maritime sector agenda, “No guts, no Hollands glorie!”, which sets out the ambition to give greater consideration to the strategic interests of the maritime manufacturing industry in government procurement processes. The Power2Tow project is being carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the Coastguard and the interdepartmental Rijksregiebureau Maritieme Maakindustrie.