Iskes Towage & Salvage in IJmuiden, the Netherlands, has taken delivery of the Bernardus, the first Damen ASD 2810 Hybrid.
By combining diesel-direct, diesel-electric propulsion and battery power, the Bernardus can achieve average fuel savings of up to thirty per cent and up to forty per cent reduction of emissions. Being green, however, does not mean sacrificing power – the Bernardus still has a bollard pull of 60 tonnes.
During station keeping, manoeuvring and low speed sailing (up to 5 knots), the Bernardus will utilise battery packs to operate under 100 per cent electric power. The same batteries will be used when the tug is at the quayside at night, doing away with the use of generators.
The Bernardus is Damen’s first ASD 2810 Hybrid with another four under construction at present. This includes three for the Royal Netherlands Navy in response to developments in emissions reduction and environmentally friendly shipping and one for stock.
