Her Majesty Queen Mary names Denmark’s first electric tug
Denmark Launches First Electric Tugboat
In a significant advancement for the green transition in Denmark’s maritime sector, the country’s first electric tugboat was officially named today by Her Majesty Queen Mary during a ceremony in Copenhagen. The vessel, named Svitzer Ingrid, boasts a battery capacity equivalent to 23 modern electric cars and is set to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, cutting between 600 to 900 tonnes annually. This milestone marks a pivotal step in Svitzer’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2040.
Details of Svitzer Ingrid’s Capabilities
Svitzer Ingrid is designed to operate primarily on electric power, with approximately 90% of its tasks manageable without fossil fuels. The tugboat will be stationed in the Sound, with Helsingborg serving as its home port. Kasper Friis Nilaus, CEO of Svitzer, emphasized the importance of this launch, stating, “The electrification of our vessels is a key part of achieving our target of climate neutrality.” The tugboat’s hybrid design includes a conventional diesel engine, allowing for flexibility in operations while maintaining a focus on sustainability.
The vessel features a robust 1,808 kWh battery, enabling it to perform most of its duties using electricity alone. Full charging takes about 3.5 hours, although practical operations often require only about an hour of charging. This innovative approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with Svitzer’s broader strategy to transition a larger portion of its fleet to battery power. However, Nilaus noted that the expansion of electric vessels is contingent upon the development of adequate charging infrastructure at ports, which is still in progress.
In addition to Svitzer Ingrid, the company has plans for a second electric tugboat scheduled for delivery in 2026, along with aspirations to acquire four more electric vessels. Since 2016, Svitzer has also operated four hybrid tugs in Australia, showcasing its commitment to sustainable maritime operations.
Significance of the Naming Ceremony
The naming ceremony was attended by over 100 executives from the Danish maritime industry, highlighting the event’s importance within the sector. Svitzer vessels are traditionally named after figures from Nordic mythology, and Svitzer Ingrid carries a royal reference to Queen Ingrid, further emphasizing its significance. This is the second time Her Majesty Queen Mary has named a Svitzer vessel, having previously named Svitzer Marysville in Melbourne, Australia, in 2011.
Svitzer Ingrid will be recharged using renewable energy sources at the Port of Helsingborg, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, Svitzer’s initiatives represent a crucial step towards greener shipping practices, fostering collaboration among shipping companies, policymakers, and local communities to develop viable solutions for a sustainable future.
