Rotterdam, May 25, 2021
KOTUG INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHES INLAND SHIPPING DIVISION
Game-changing vessel design for the inland shipping industry
KOTUG International B.V. (KOTUG) announces the establishment of an Inland Shipping division to provide electric powered pusher tugs and smart AI-driven dispatch and route planning applications for the inland water transportation industry. With these logistics solutions, KOTUG aims to support the worldwide energy transition and the modal shift from road transport to waterways while meeting the growing demand for electric-powered vessels.
The set-up of the inland shipping activities results from developing a range of modular and scalable electric pusher tugs, the E-Pusher™ Series, powered by swappable energy containers. The E-Pusher™ Series currently has three models ranging from 5,5 to 22 meters in length and a maximum depth of 0,45 to 1,35 meters resulting in a draft that is 30% less than conventional pusher tug designs.
Due to the modular approach and lean assembly method, KOTUG reduced the construction time by more than 25% compared to traditional vessels. Together with her partners, KOTUG developed various energy containers ranging from Stage V diesel, (Bio)gas and Hydrogen to battery solutions.
For smart operations KOTUG will use OptiPort, its advanced dispatching, route and reporting tool. KOTUG OptiPort is an automated dispatching system based on historical and real-time information bridging port and terminal information with ship operations. The tool supports fleet owners in optimizing expected departure- and arrival times, routing and speed control, leading to reduced energy usage and just-in-time departure and arrival. The system is active since 2017 and is currently in use by vessel operators in Australia, Japan, the United States, Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands.
With KOTUG CityBarge B.V., KOTUG recently started activities in the municipality of Leiden with a 5,5 meter E-Pusher™ providing a zero-emission alternative for heavy truck transport in inner-cities. KOTUG CityBarge BV. is a partnership of KOTUG with Circle Line Logistics B.V., aiming to make cities more liveable by restoring existing inner-city waterways by using them to transport garbage, construction materials and retail products.
“The inland shipping market offers a great opportunity for sustainable logistical solutions”, says Ard-Jan Kooren, CEO of KOTUG International B.V. “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 digitization of the marine industry. The start with activities for the inland shipping market is a natural development and a step forward in our ambition to be part of the solution of the transition towards a zero-emission maritime industry.”
Regional Inland Shipping Minister, Jeannette Baljeu: ”The Province of South Holland is involved since the start of the project around reinstating waterways as a means of transport, with the development of the CityBarge (the smallest version of the e-Pusher). Clean transport is one of our priorities. By bringing together business and government to solve mutual challenges, solutions like the E-Pusher™ are no longer just paper ideas but market-ready products. I strongly believe in the E-Pusher™
concept; it improves the liveability in cities and boosts the growth of tech industries in the Province of South Holland and beyond.“
About KOTUG
Kotug is a leading maritime company, offering its innovative towage and maritime related services on a global scale. Adding value by sustainability-focused innovations, Kotug provides the complete portfolio based on a combination of long-standing knowledge and advanced technologies. From designing, building, and operating vessels to training people and providing innovative consultancy services. Kotug is active in Europe, Russia, Asia, Australia, Africa, Middle East, North and South America and the Caribbean and continues to expand its operations worldwide. Kotug is family-owned and firmly committed to the highest industry standards of health, safety, environment, quality and security. www.kotug.com
KOTUG CityBarge B.V. is a partnership of KOTUG International B.V. with Circle Line Logistics B.V., aiming to make cities more liveable by restoring existing canals in inner cities and using them for the supply and removal of goods transport. Through a combination of an emission-free pusher, barges, and a technology platform,
logistics flows in the city centre can be moved from the road to the water. The city centre’s water transport initiative arose from combining the national modal shift program and the Green Deal initiatives to provide more and clean transport over water. Commissioned by the Province of South Holland, several contributed to finding a solution for the increasing pollution and road congestions in inner cities, resulting in the CityBarge concept: an integrated city logistics system over water, consisting of a modular electric pusher, push barges, and technology platform.
More information
The E-Pusher™ Series is now available for financial lease, bareboat and time charter arrangements.
