Damen, Caterpillar, Pon Power in MoU for development of DF methanol powered tugs

Damen, Caterpillar, and Pon Power on Tuesday (29 November) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint development of a series of dual-fuel methanol / diesel powered tugs.

“[This is] a big step in our aim to become the world’s most sustainable shipbuilder,” stated Damen in a social media post.

“Our long-term strategy to achieve this includes offering a full range of sustainable tugboats featuring both zero-emission electric and carbon neutral methanol powered vessels.”

According to Damen, electrically powered tugs are ideal for zero emission operations in harbours and terminals where low-cost electricity can be easily accessed between assignments via onshore infrastructure.

With its greater energy density than batteries, methanol delivers increased energy storage capacity, making it suited for longer duration operations while remaining CO₂ neutral.

The methanol ready CAT 3500E series dual-fuel methanol pilot engines will be delivered to Damen by engineering firm Pon Power in 2024 when the process of integration and testing will begin.

“This will be a complex undertaking involving integrating the engines with all aspects of the ship’s control, monitoring, ventilation and other systems and will take place in close cooperation with the classification societies,” noted Damen.

“The aim is to have methanol powered vessels to be series production-ready in 2026.”

Photo credit: Damen
Published: 30 November, 2022