Cargill Deploys World’s First Fully-Electric Pusher Tug and Barge

Cargill, a leading food production and processing company, has joined forces with maritime services provider Kotug International to launch the world’s first fully electric pusher tug and barges to transport cocoa beans from the Port of Amsterdam to Cargill’s cocoa factory in Zaandam, the Netherlands.

The Port of Amsterdam serves as the largest cocoa import port globally, making the partnership a significant step toward sustainable cocoa transportation.

Pusher tugs and barges are essential for efficiently delivering goods from Dutch ports. By deploying fully electrified vessels, Cargill becomes the first company worldwide to achieve emission-free and noise-free inland shipping.

The zero-emission vessel, named E-Pusher 1, is equipped with cutting-edge propulsion systems and state-of-the-art technology that eliminates harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). E-Pusher 1 is the first vessel in KOTUG’s E-Pusher Series of modular and scalable electrically powered pusher boats for the transportation of a wide range of cargoes. Notably, these electric pusher tugs and barges are projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 190,000 kg annually, equivalent to the environmental impact of 15,000 one-way trips by truck from the Port of Amsterdam to Cargill’s cocoa factory in Zaandam.

Known as the type M, the E-Pusher 1 can push barges with up to 4.000 tons of cargo. The vessel is equipped with a swappable container battery from Shift Clean Energy (Shift) and powered by green energy sourced from the wind farm operated jointly by Cargill and Vattenfall through Windpark Hanze.

“Cargill is committed to nourishing the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way,” said Emiel van Dijk, Managing Director of Cocoa & Chocolate Europe & West Africa at Cargill. “Electrifying the transportation of our cocoa beans is just one example of how we are implementing new, innovative sustainable practices to reduce our impact on the planet and protect people.”

Ard-Jan Kooren, President & CEO of KOTUG International, thanked Cargill for their partnership in the initiative.

“Together, we are making history and reshaping the future of maritime transportation,” said Jan Kooren. “This ground-breaking achievement aligns with our mission to provide sustainable solutions to the maritime industry. By introducing the world’s first zero-emission vessel of this setup, we aim to inspire other shipping companies, governments, and stakeholders to embrace clean energy solutions and make significant strides towards achieving the global climate goals for the next generation.”