Port of Antwerp-Bruges Launched the “Volta 1”, Europe’s First Fully Electric Tugboat

19 May  2025

On 19 May, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium launched the Volta 1, Europe’s first fully electric tugboat. This move marked a significant step towards the port’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The Volta 1 is a 607-ton tugboat and it guarantees the same performance as a traditional tugboat. The tugboat can cruise for up to 12 hours through battery charging.       

As the tug service accounts for about 85% of the port’s CO2 emissions, the introduction of an eco-friendly fleet is expected to reduce the port-related emissions. One member of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges noted "The Volta 1 is part of our strategy to apply sustainable technologies in our operation." He added "The port will continue to make efforts to lead energy transition in the maritime sector and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050." 

For the original article, please visit https://newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com/port-of-antwerp-bruges-launches-the-volta-1-europes-first-electric-tugboat or scan the QR code below 

Port of Rotterdam, through Carbonbid, Aims to Help Small and Medium-Sized Companies Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Providing Financial Support of up to €700,000  

1 May 2025

The Port of Rotterdam Authority in the Netherlands introduces “Carbonbid”, a carbon reduction support program, planning to provide financial support of €3.5m in total to companies that can contribute to decreasing greenhouse gas emissions in the port area. Through this initiative, the Authority aims to lower the threshold for companies in implementing sustainable development. This plan is part of the port’s comprehensive strategies to make it sustainable and carbon-neutral in the future.     

Projects that reduce emissions in the port area can apply for the program with the exception of emissions covered by the European Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Each project should decrease emissions by at least 100 tons. The Port of Rotterdam Authority will first select projects with the highest reduction per euro.

Matthijs van Doorn, Commercial Director at the Port of Rotterdam Authority, stated "The climate challenges facing the Port of Rotterdam is considerable and Carbonbid is a pilot project aimed at figuring out whether targeted financial assistance can make it more attractive for companies to accelerate the reduction of emissions." 

For the original article, please visit https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en/news-and-press-releases/companies-eligible-funding-emission-reduction-rotterdam-port-area or scan the QR code below