Port of Antwerp has ordered construction of a tug powered by hydrogen, the first in the world. This unique "Hydrotug" is driven by combustion engines that burn hydrogen in combination with diesel. The motors also comply with the very strictest standard, the EU Stage V, making them the lowest-rated for emissions on the market. This ultra-low-emission tug is being built by Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB), a pioneer in the field of hydrogen power for shipping. With this world first Antwerp is making an important step in the transition to a sustainable, CO2-neutral port. By lending support to this promising technology Port of Antwerp hopes that the shipping industry will follow. The port is systematically pursuing a policy of making its entire fleet eco-friendly by incorporating the most environment-friendly technologies available on the market.

Port of Antwerp is taking important steps to become the sustainable port of the future. This is the clear message of the fifth Sustainability Report published today by the port community. Development of the port must go hand-in-hand with the largest possible contribution to society, according to the report. Published every two years, it summarises the main economic, ecological and social indicators. These demonstrate the areas of sustainability in which the port is doing well, but also where additional efforts are required. Read the full Sustainability Report here.