Rijkswaterstaat has launched the research and development phase of the Power2Tow project. Under this innovation partnership, three consortia will simultaneously develop new solutions for near-zero-emission emergency response towing vessels (ERTVs) and the associated offshore and onshore charging infrastructure.
Director General Martin Wijnen signed the cooperation agreements with the three consortia on 30 June. Rijkswaterstaat is responsible for the design, construction, management and maintenance of the Netherlands’ primary infrastructure facilities.
A distinctive feature of Power2Tow is that Rijkswaterstaat is working alongside the consortia throughout the research and development phase. As part of the innovation partnership, all three consortia have been awarded contracts and funding to further develop and refine their proposed solutions. This approach allows different technological concepts and innovative ideas to be explored. The consortia will develop solutions for the vessels, offshore and shore-based charging infrastructure, and the operational deployment of the complete system.
During the research and development phase, the proposals will be further elaborated, tested and evaluated. Ultimately, one consortium will be selected to deliver the project for Rijkswaterstaat. The contract for construction and operation can then be awarded directly, without the need for a new procurement procedure. Each consortium comprises several companies and organisations, each contributing its own specialist expertise.
The consortia selected for the research and development phase are:
- Kustkracht: Kotug International BV, IHC Defence BV and Bluewater Energy Services BV.
- Multraship Ocean Towage BV, Damen Shipbuilding & Co-operation BV and Stillstrom A/S.
- Smit Terminals Europe BV and Smit Salvage BV.
Also read: Rijkswaterstaat selects three consortia for electric ERTVs
Safety and sustainability in the North Sea
With Power2Tow, Rijkswaterstaat is developing a future-proof emergency towing capability for the North Sea. The project includes the development of three electric emergency response towing vessels (ERTVs), capable of recharging offshore using wind energy. Among other tasks, the vessels will help protect offshore wind farms from collisions involving ships in distress.
Power2Tow also covers the development of offshore and onshore charging infrastructure, as well as a 25-year operational service contract.
The vessels will operate electrically wherever possible. For emergency towing operations, they will use sustainable e-methanol, providing a significant boost to the decarbonisation of the maritime sector.
Also read: Demcon delivers Rijkswaterstaat’s first USV
Part of the Rijksrederij Fleet Renewal Programme
Power2Tow forms part of the Rijksrederij Fleet Renewal Programme, through which Rijkswaterstaat is modernising the Dutch government fleet with a strong focus on sustainability. The project also supports the maritime Sector Agenda, “No guts, no Hollands glorie!”, which commits the Dutch government to giving greater consideration to the strategic interests of the national maritime manufacturing industry in public procurement.
Power2Tow is being delivered in cooperation with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the Netherlands Coastguard and the interdepartmental Maritime Manufacturing Industry Coordination Office (Rijksregiebureau Maritieme Maakindustrie).
Picture: The emergency response towing vessel Multraship Protector is on 24/7 standby near the Hollandse Kust wind farms, ready to respond to emergencies such as ships drifting towards wind turbines after losing propulsion (photo by Flying Focus).
Also read: Shipbuilders have to wait (too long) for Rijksrederij orders
