ROS takes the next step towards completely emission-free sand transport with an electric push boat from KOTUG, equipped with a battery pack from EST-Floattech. For the E-Pusher M, EST-Floattech has supplied a battery system consisting of 1.68MWh Lite modules in a High Cube container that is charged with an MCS plug.
Rotterdam, 4 November 2025 — In an important step towards sustainable inland shipping, the Rotterdam-based sand and transport company ROS has ordered a fully electric push boat from KOTUG. The so-called E-Pusher M is equipped with the containerised solution from EST-Floattech. The Octopus Series Lite modules in the container ensure emission-free sand transport between the Maasvlakte and Rotterdam.
The E-Pusher is a crucial link in the fully emission-free transport chain that ROS is currently building. The project comprises various projects, including a 1-megawatt fast-charging station with MCS plug (Megawatt Charging System) for the push boat, which EST-Floattech is also working on. This fast-charging station will be a first for the Rotterdam region.
Thanks to this innovative charging infrastructure, the E-Pusher can be fully charged in a short period of time, which increases operational availability and enhances the efficiency of emission-free transport. EST-Floattech’s contribution has been significant in this regard, as the company has helped to devise possible solutions. In addition to developing and implementing a solution for the battery system supplied, which can now be charged with an MCS plug, the company also contributed ideas for the shore-based solution. The E-Pusher M has now been put into service by ROS and has already completed several successful voyages in Rotterdam.
Last Friday, 31 October, Councillor Chantal Zegers (Climate, Air Quality and Energy) visited the project. During her visit, she gained insight into the role of Dutch battery supplier EST-Floattech in the energy transition in the maritime sector and the impact of the collaboration between EST-Floattech, Padmos, Jansma Shipping, KOTUG and ROS on the Rotterdam area. After all, sustainable innovation and economic development in the region remain important, especially when it comes to making the port city more sustainable.
“This push boat demonstrates what is possible when Dutch companies collaborate on sustainable projects,” said Councillor Zegers. “KOTUG’s E-Pusher, with its battery pack from EST-Floattech, is a wonderful example of innovation that ensures more efficient operations, making the maritime sector greener and helping the environment. In this way, Dutch companies are working together to prepare the port of Rotterdam for a green future.”
With the E-Pusher M and other projects, ROS is taking an important step in its transition to sustainable transport solutions and is becoming a leader in emission-free logistics. Marco Kruithof, Director of ROS, says: “Thanks to the battery pack from EST-Floattech, the push boat can sail entirely on electric power, without noise pollution or CO2 emissions. EST-Floattech was an important knowledge partner in the development of the project, helping us to achieve the right capacity on board for the sailing profile and contributing ideas about the most suitable charging solution.”
On board the E-Pusher for ROS is EST-Floattech’s 20 ft high cube container with 1.68 MWh Octopus Series Lite, with integrated AC and DC fast chargers.
Ard-Jan Kooren, CEO of KOTUG, emphasises the importance of collaboration in this project:
‘The collaboration with EST-Floattech is going very well. Their knowledge of battery technology and our experience with emission-free propulsion reinforce each other. Together, we are enabling ROS to realise a fully sustainable transport chain. It is great to see how Dutch innovation is being emulated.’
Mark Witjens, CEO of EST-Floattech, adds: “We believe that the energy transition in shipping will only succeed if we really help our customers to sail emission-free. From the battery system to advising on the use of an MCS plug and shore power solutions. Entrepreneurs such as ROS demonstrate that electric sailing is possible and that it can be achieved quickly through effective collaboration. Together, we are contributing to a cleaner and quieter future for the Port of Rotterdam.”
About ROS
ROS is a leading Rotterdam-based company specialising in sand extraction, transhipment and transport. The company has been investing in sustainable technologies for many years and strives to achieve a completely emission-free logistics chain.
About KOTUG
KOTUG is a leading maritime family-owned company, offering its innovative towage and maritime-related services on a global scale. KOTUG is firmly committed to the highest industry standards of health, safety, environment, quality, and security. Adding value through sustainability-focused innovations, KOTUG provides a complete portfolio based on a combination of long-standing knowledge and advanced technologies. From designing, building, chartering and operating vessels to training people and providing innovative consultancy services. The company’s expertise is divided across five pillars: Towage, Training & Consultancy, Intelligence, Subsea and Maritime Excellence. KOTUG is active in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East, North and South America and the Caribbean and continues to expand its operations worldwide. www.kotug.com
About EST-Floattech
EST-Floattech (2009) specialises in developing, manufacturing and installing reliable, sustainable and safe battery systems for maritime applications. The internally developed software is integrated to ensure reliable operation of the Octopus Series battery system on board. In addition, EST-Floattech supports customers with BMS development and questions about charging infrastructures. The safety and reliability of EST-Floattech’s battery technology is demonstrated by more than 300 projects with the Green Orca and Octopus Series, in which ships have been sailing with their batteries for more than ten years.