Nice Moves – Hybrid Tug RT Evolution Shows Its Stuff During Escort Trials

Check out this video of escort trials for KOTUG’s new hybrid tug, RT Evolution.

Built by Damen Shipyards, RT Evolution is 32-meter hybrid next-generation ART80-32 Rotortug designed by Rotortug B.V. in the Netherlands and Robert Allan Ltd in Canada.

The tug is one of three hybrid Rotortugs operated by Netherlands-based KOTUG. RT Evolution will operated in the Port of Rotterdam alongside RT Adriaan, a 2010-built Rotortug that was converted to hybrid propulsion in 2012. RT Emotion, of the same ART80-32 design, recently commenced towage activities in the German port of Bremerhaven.

The three vessels are part of the E-KOTUG series, producing 50% less harmful emissions, significant noise reduction, cleaner combustion and substantial maintenance savings thanks to improved fuel economy. The Rotortug’s hybrid capacity is generated by three electric motors, complemented by a battery pack and managed by an intelligent XeroPoint Hybrid Propulsion System.

RT Evolution’s three Caterpillar 3512 C engines produce a total of 7,150 horsepower and 80+ tons of bollard pull.