The RSD-E Tug 2513 Bu Tinah, built by Damen Shipyards, has made history as the first fully electric tugboat deployed in the Middle East.
Its remarkable performance at Khalifa Port during ADIPEC, the world’s largest energy conference, led to the tugboat setting a Guinness World Record for its capabilities. The RSD-E Tug 2513 is a revolutionary advancement in maritime technology, boasting zero-emission operations and powerful performance.
The tugboat is based on the efficient hull design of the standard, diesel-powered RSD Tug 2513, but with a fully electric propulsion system. This new propulsion arrangement enables it to operate without emissions, making it ideal for situations where oil or fuel leaks could be particularly harmful.
While its clean energy operation is a major achievement, the tugboat’s Guinness World Record demonstrates that transitioning to alternative energy does not compromise performance.
“This Guinness World Record achievement demonstrates that the transition to alternative energy does not come at the cost of performance,” said Captain Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group. “We are very proud that the first electric tug in the Middle East is also making waves on a global level with this accolade. In parallel, it is improving the sustainability of our operations while providing cost efficiencies in terms of overall fuel savings. This vessel is now a key component of our Marine Services fleet and our electrification strategy.”
To set the record, the Damen RSD-E Tug 2513 Bu Tinah achieved an impressive average peak bollard pull of 78.2 tonnes (approximately 86 U.S. tons).
It can carry out at least two towage operations on a single charge and can be recharged in just two hours using a marine DC fast charger, further proving its capability for efficient, high-performance tasks in an environmentally friendly manner.
