Svitzer - Experts & Thought Leaders

MAN Energy Solutions and Svitzer have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on the development of a methanol-fuelled version of the MAN 175D engine. Designated 175DF-M (Dual Fuel-Methanol), the MoU targets the finalisation of a field-test agreement based on which a dual-fuel engine and plant equipment will be installed on board one of Svitzer’s newbuild tugs. Kasper Karlsen, Chief Operating Officer at Svitzer, said: “At Svitzer, we’ve set ambitious yet realistic, long-term targets to decarbonise our operations. In 2023 alone, we reduced the CO2 intensity of our global fleet by 24% and we’re committed to making further progress through the use of low-carbon fuels like methanol, innovative engine technologies, and continuous changes of behaviour. The MoU signed with MAN represents an exciting opportunity to jointly secure valuable field experience focusing on the use of dual-fuel methanol engines within our fleet.” Innovative engine technologies Svitzer has a long-standing relationship with MAN Energy Solutions, especially recently with the MAN 175D engine. In 2023, Svitzer selected the high-performance MAN 175D engines for its new TRAnsverse tug design. Svitzer selected the high-performance MAN 175D engines for its new TRAnsverse tug design Ben Andres, Head of Medium- and High-Speed, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “We are very happy to enter into this agreement with such a high-profile operator as Svitzer. We are convinced that Svitzer is the right partner to start this common project with because we both have highly ambitious goals for decarbonisation and to maximally reduce our CO2 footprint. We therefore welcome this excellent opportunity to continue our cooperation with such an important 175D customer and look forward to the benefits it will bring for both parties.” Engine-performance optimisation Alexander Knafl, Senior Vice President, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “Svitzer has been working on its own low-emission concept for some time and this agreement brings this to the next level. Thus, the agreed timeline serves both companies’ targets very well. Svitzer’s tug operation is an excellent candidate for the field-testing of our newly developed MAN 175DF-M engine and I look forward to a close collaboration.” The next phase leading to the signing of the field-test agreement will focus on details of the fuel-supply system, engine-room design, exhaust after-treatment and engine-performance optimisation.

With the successful delivery of the M.T. Joymoni to Mongla Port Authority, Bangladesh, Cheoy Lee Shipyards Ltd. has reached a significant milestone. This latest tug is the 50th RAmparts 3200-CL to be completed, and it represents more than a decade of evolution and refinement in tug design.    There are vessels operating for clients such as Svitzer, Boluda, SAAM, PSA, KOTUG, and Ocean Sparkle/Adani. The RAmparts 3200-CL is operating in regions all over the world, including Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America. Popular RAmparts series The RAmparts 3200-CL was designed by Robert Allan Ltd. in 2008 exclusively for Cheoy Lee Shipyards Ltd., with the first tug, Ocean Pioneer, delivered to Ocean Sparkle in India in 2011. Based on the popular RAmparts series, the hull form was developed to provide a high-performance, multi-function tug in a shallow draft configuration, with a bollard pull of up to 85 tonnes.   Over the years, there have been some significant changes to rules and regulations that have required updates to the design. These include IMO MLC Crew accommodation requirements, supporting structure in way of towing systems, and towing stability criteria, etc. Operators’ preferences The RAmparts 3200-CL design has been kept current and is compliant with all these new standards, and with 50 vessels in service, owners can be confident of the tug’s suitability for many operating scenarios. The carefully developed design has shown its flexibility to suit operators’ preferences. Harbour service, terminal towage, escorting and offshore support can all be performed comfortably by this exceptional tug. All major engine manufacturers, Z-drive suppliers, deck machinery makers, etc. can be fitted, allowing full customisation for every owner’s needs.

Svitzer and Robert Allan Ltd. have entered an agreement to design the world’s first Methanol Hybrid Fuel Cell (MHFC) tug. Utilising a combination of batteries, fuel cells and gensets, this tug will operate completely free of diesel fuel, and is a major step forward on Svitzer’s path to the decarbonisation of their global towage fleet. Methanol Hybrid Fuel Cell tug Scheduled to enter service at the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden in the second half of 2025, this new tug is an important step towards allowing the Port to achieve its goal of reducing emissions in the port area by 70% by 2030. The design team is eager to get started and they are looking forward to collaborating with suppliers to select the equipment and support their design efforts.