Damen and CMB.TECH have joined forces to develop some of the first hydrogen-powered tugboats, marking a significant step towards sustainable port operations and decarbonization in the shipping industry. The project entails building four tugs equipped with dual-fuel hydrogen technology, with an emphasis on reducing carbon emissions. Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH, envisions hydrogen playing a vital role in near-shore operations like tugs and offshore vessels, with plans to introduce ammonia-based systems for ocean-going ships. The collaboration also involves the construction of Commissioning Service Operations Vessels utilizing the same technology. The hydrogen-powered ASD Tugs 2812 FF-H2 will feature high-speed engines to minimize emissions, along with modular storage systems for compressed hydrogen. Lloyds' Register has granted approval for the hydrogen solution, endorsing its cost-effectiveness for decarbonizing tug operations. With Hydrotug 1 already in operation at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the industry is moving towards mainstream adoption of hydrogen as a green energy source for maritime activities.