SAFEEN Group Trials Middle East’s First Electric Tug at Khalifa Port
Abu Dhabi, UAE – SAFEEN Group, a division of AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), has announced a pioneering initiative to trial an electric tug within their Marine Services fleet, marking the first deployment of its kind in the Middle East. The electric tug will operate at AD Ports Group’s flagship facility, Khalifa Port.
The Damen RSD-E Tug 2513, an all-electric harbor tug, was unveiled at the 27th International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards 2024 in Dubai. This innovative vessel is set to deliver numerous advantages, including zero emissions from “Tank to Propeller,” enhanced operational efficiency with a 70-ton bollard pull capable of managing the largest vessels, and cost-effectiveness due to reduced maintenance needs compared to traditional diesel-powered tugs.
Initially, the tug will operate via generators adhering to the latest IMO Tier 3 emission regulations. Despite using generators, this setup remains more fuel-efficient than conventional ASD tugs.
This trial is expected to pave the way for a structured electrification strategy for SAFEEN Group’s marine services fleet. Future plans include establishing a shore facility at Khalifa Port capable of delivering 1.5 MW of power for charging electric tugs, underscoring AD Ports Group’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and support for electric-powered maritime operations. With this shore charging facility, the tug will fully leverage its electric capabilities, significantly contributing to the reduction of the maritime sector’s carbon footprint.
Captain Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, CEO of the Maritime & Shipping Cluster at AD Ports Group, expressed pride in this development: “We are very proud to have the first electric tug in the Middle East join our fleet. Implementing electric tugs into our operations aligns with our local and global ambitions for greener maritime operations. AD Ports Group’s commitment to a sustainable future is underscored by adopting such technologies, contributing to the overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector.”
Kommer Damen, Chairman of Damen Shipyards Group, also highlighted the significance of this initiative: “We are very pleased that the first electric tug in the Middle East is going to be undertaking operations for SAFEEN Group. The RSD-E 2513 has garnered recognition within the maritime industry, winning the ‘Tug of the Year’ award at the 2022 International Tug & Salvage Awards. This accolade emphasizes the vessel’s innovative design and its contribution to environmental sustainability.”
SAFEEN Group offers a comprehensive range of marine services, shipping, transshipment, and offshore and subsea solutions, with a fleet of state-of-the-art vessels ensuring maximum efficiency and effectiveness. This latest investment marks a pivotal advancement in SAFEEN Group’s maritime operations, steering towards eco-friendly and efficient maritime solutions.
