Smart Tug Power lays the foundation for smart maintenance strategies in the maritime sector
Smarter maintenance, reduced risks, and a lower environmental footprint
Within the Smart Tug Power project, Predict Marine, KOTUG, and ProAnalytics are collaborating on the development of intelligent, data-driven maintenance strategies for tugboats equipped with Azimuth thrusters and other critical systems. The aim: lower operational costs, improved reliability, and a future-proof, efficient fleet.
The first phase of this Maritime Innovation Impulse Project (MIIP) focused on identifying key risks and failure modes in thruster systems, including mechanical wear, contamination in fluid systems, and electrical malfunctions. Based on these insights, tailored strategies were developed to enable condition-based and predictive maintenance.
Data as the key to reliability
By linking system data – such as oil analysis, pressure readings, and temperature trends – to maintenance intervals, the project lays a strong foundation for data-driven decision-making. Together with domain experts, an advanced maintenance strategy was developed that goes beyond traditional approaches, focusing on reliability and the long-term performance of critical assets.
Proof of Concept using historical data
Based on lube oil analysis sample data and other available datasets, a Proof of Concept for smart maintenance has been developed, in which thruster failure behaviour was actually recognized in historical data. This confirms that smart data analysis makes maintenance more predictable and underlines the potential of predictive maintenance in the maritime sector.
Next steps: business case and implementation
The upcoming phase will focus on developing a comprehensive business case, balancing costs, risks, and system performance. The goal is to demonstrate how data-driven maintenance strategies can enhance reliability, availability, and sustainability across the fleet.
“By combining risk-based thinking with data-driven maintenance, we are taking a concrete step towards more predictable and cost-effective asset management in the maritime sector.”
The Smart Tug Power project is supported by Netherlands Maritime Land (NML) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
About the partners:
Predict Marine
Predict Marine supports maritime organizations in developing and implementing smart maintenance strategies. With deep expertise in risk-based maintenance, data analytics, and system structuring, they help fleet owners and operators transition towards future-proof asset management.
KOTUG
KOTUG is a leading maritime service provider known for its strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and safety. With a modern fleet and a global presence, KOTUG continues to lead the way in tug operations and port services.
ProAnalytics
ProAnalytics specializes in industrial data analysis and sensor integration. They help organizations unlock the value of operational data by applying condition monitoring, predictive analytics, and intelligent algorithms to complex technical systems.
KOTUG AND UZMAR CELEBRATE THE DELIVERY OF THE FIFTH NEWLY BUILT TUG FOR OFFSHORE LNG SUPPORT
İzmit, Türkiye – 01 September 2025 – A powerful celebration of engineering excellence and partnership took place at UZMAR Shipyard with the official delivery of five cutting-edge tugboats to KOTUG International.
The vessels — SD Wonder, SD Djoudj, SD Chatboul, SD Rosso, and SD Waalo — will support KOTUG’s long-term offshore terminal operations, four of them in Mauritania and Senegal, and one in Congo, providing essential towage and marine support services for the region’s advanced LNG infrastructure.
Built to the highest international standards, the tugs deliver 80 tonnes of bollard pull and are equipped with top-tier safety and environmental features, ensuring both reliability and sustainability in demanding offshore conditions.
The event was attended by KOTUG President & CEO Mr. Ard-Jan Kooren, UZMAR President Mr. A. Noyan Altug, senior executives, and distinguished guests from across the maritime industry. This delivery marks the completion of a significant five-vessel program developed in close collaboration between KOTUG and UZMAR.
Ard-Jan Kooren, President & CEO of KOTUG, said:
“This milestone reflects more than the delivery of five vessels; it reflects The future of maritime excellence.Together with UZMAR, we have built not only cutting-edge tugboats but also the foundation for future growth in West Africa. Four of these vessels will support vital energy flows, strengthen port operations, and drive economic development in Mauritania and Senegal, and one in Congo. As a family-owned company, we take pride in collaborating with the communities we operate, while we accelerate the industry with cutting edge technology based on decades of experience and leading of the industry. Today, we celebrate engineering excellence, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to shaping the future of our industry.”
Mr. A. Noyan Altug, President & CEO of UZMAR, added:
“What began 25 years ago as mutual respect between two companies has grown into a trusted partnership. With the delivery of these five vessels, we celebrate not only engineering excellence but also loyalty, shared values, and a friendship that stood the test of time.”
The delivery ceremony in İzmit brought together teams from both companies, honoring the engineers, welders, project managers, and crew whose craftsmanship and dedication made the project a success.
OptiPort Release Notes
Slim plannen voor schone logistiek over water – MHS en KOTUG OptiPort bundelen krachten
Rotterdam, 23 juli 2025 – KOTUG OptiPort en het Metropolitan Hub System (MHS) hebben een overeenkomst ondertekend voor de ontwikkeling van een innovatief logistiek concept: Transport as a Service over water. Slimme planning van elektrische duwboten en duwbakken moet bijdragen aan een schoner, efficiënter en schaalbaar goederentransport in stedelijke regio’s.
De overeenkomst werd formeel bekrachtigd op het hoofdkantoor van KOTUG International in de Rotterdamse Waalhaven. De slimme planning – powered by OptiPort – maakt het mogelijk om binnenstedelijke en regionale goederenstromen betrouwbaarder en duurzamer te vervoeren. Niet door meer infrastructuur, maar door het beter benutten van wat er al is: waterwegen, slimme vaarroutes en actuele data.
De slimme planning maakt gebruik van real-time informatie zoals scheepsposities, waterstanden, brugopeningstijden en optimale vaarsnelheden om de inzet van elektrisch aangedreven duwboot (onder andere KOTUG’s E-Pushers /bak-combinaties te plannen. Door slimme integratie van data kan de inzetbaarheid van met name de duwboten worden vergroot. Dat zal een merkbaar kostenvoordeel voor gebruikers van de slimme planning tot gevolg hebben, zo is de verwachting.
“Voor ons is dit de eerste stap naar een nieuw logistiek ecosysteem, waarin klanten niet langer genoodzaakt zijn om exclusief over een volledig schip te hoeven beschikken om goederen efficiënt en emissievrij over water te vervoeren,” zegt Patrick Everts van KOTUG OptiPort. “Met slimme planning en realtime data maken we transport over water schaalbaar, voorspelbaar en betaalbaar – precies wat steden en verladers nodig hebben.”
Prototype met publieke waarde
De eerste stap in het traject is het ontwikkelen van een prototype van deze slimme planning. Dit prototype sluit aan op resultaten van het MHS project Internet of Cargo dat met behulp van de provincie Noord-Holland tot stand is gekomen. IoC richt zich op het slim delen van data met als doel: emissievrije duwbak-duwbootcombinaties volgens een slimme digitale dienstregeling op de regionale wateren te laten varen (als alternatief voor goederenvervoer over de weg.
Het prototype wordt ontwikkeld langs een aantal bestaande ladingstromen zoals afval, gww-bouwmaterialen en agro in de provincies Zuid-Holland, Noord-Holland en Utrecht. KOTUG OptiPort werkt dit uit in een planningsplatform dat breder toepasbaar is in andere regio’s en inzetbaar voor andere partijen.
Transitie naar schone binnenvaart
Stichting MHS werkt – samen met de betrokken provincies op meerdere plekken in het land – aan de transitie naar schoon binnenvaartvervoer als oplossing voor bereikbaarheidsvraagstukken. MHS fungeert als aanjager en opdrachtgever en denkt – samen met partner Circle Line Logistics – actief mee over het aanscherpen, testen en opschalen van het systeem.
Volgens Peter de Bruijn, bestuurslid van MHS, ligt de kracht van de samenwerking “in de koppeling van technologie, praktijkervaring en gedeelde ambitie. We willen laten zien dat data-gedreven planning geen toekomstmuziek is, maar dé sleutel is tot emissiereductie en efficiënte regionale bevoorrading.”
De smart planning oplossing ondersteund de transitie naar schone en slimme binnenvaart en sluit daarmee aan bij de publieke ambities van onder meer de provincies Zuid-Holland, Noord-Holland en Utrecht om logistiek te vergroenen en het goederenvervoer over water te stimuleren. Support is er ook vanuit het Interreg project ‘InnoWatr’. Hierin werkt MHS samen met oa de provincies Friesland en Groningen, Stichting ‘Samen Circulair Heerenveen’ en afvalverwerker ‘OMRIN’.
In het najaar, als het prototype rijp is voor demonstratie, volgt een campagne gericht op uitbreiding van het concept over meerdere potentiële gebruikers en regio’s.
Fotobijschrift: de overeenkomst werd officieel ondertekend door Patrick Everts namens KOTUG OptiPort en Tomas te Velde en Peter de Bruijn namens het bestuur van MHS.
Noot voor de redactie
- KOTUG International te bereiken via: Eduardo Reis Ramos
Manager Corporate Communications & PR:
e.reisramos@kotug.com
+31 6 2141 0188
- MHS te bereiken via Erwin vd Linden:
vanderlinden@aristoi.nl
+31 650524263
Smart Planning for Clean Waterborne Logistics – MHS and KOTUG OptiPort Join Forces
Rotterdam, July 23, 2025 – KOTUG OptiPort and the Metropolitan Hub System (MHS) have signed a agreement to develop an innovative logistics concept: Transport as a Service over water. Smart scheduling of electric pushers and barges aims to enable cleaner, more efficient, and scalable freight transport in urban regions.
The agreement was formally confirmed at the headquarters of KOTUG International in the Waalhaven, Rotterdam. The smart scheduling solution – powered by OptiPort – enables more reliable and sustainable transport of goods within and between urban areas. Not by expanding infrastructure, but by optimizing the use of what already exists: waterways, intelligent sailing routes, and real-time data.
The smart sheduling uses real-time information such as vessel positions, water levels, bridge opening times, and optimal sailing speeds to plan the deployment of electrically powered pusher-barge (including KOTUG’s E-Pushers/barge combinations). Through the smart integration of data, especially the availability and utilization of the electric pusher can be significantly improved. This is expected to result in noticeable cost advantages for customers of the smart scheduling solution.
“This marks the first step toward a new logistics ecosystem in which customers no longer need to own or charter an entire vessel to move goods efficiently and emission-free over water,” says Patrick Everts Director of KOTUG OptiPort. “With smart planning and real-time data, we make waterborne transport scalable, predictable, and affordable – exactly what cities and shippers need.”
A Prototype with Public Value
The first step is developing a prototype of the smart planning solution. This prototype aligns with the results of the MHS project “Internet of Cargo (IoC)” which was initiated with the support of the province of North Holland. IoC focuses on smart data sharing with the goal of operating emission-free push barge-pushboat combinations on regional waters according to a smart digital timetable (as an alternative to road freight transport).
The prototype is developed along several existing cargo flows – such as waste, civil engineering, building materials, and agriculture – in the provinces of South Holland, North Holland, and Utrecht. KOTUG OptiPort is translating this into a planning platform that can be applied more broadly in other regions and deployed by various logistic parties.
Transition towards clean inland shipping
The MHS Foundation is collaborating with the participating provinces across the country on the transition towards clean inland shipping as a solution to urban accessibility issues. MHS acts as a catalyst and client, and – along with partner Circle Line Logistics – actively contributes to the refinement, testing, and scaling of the smart planning solution.
According to Peter de Bruijn, board member of MHS and co-founder of Circle Line Logistics, the strength of the collaboration lies “in the combination of technology, practical experience, and a shared ambition. We want to demonstrate that data-driven planning is not a distant ideal, but the key to emission reduction and efficient regional supply chains.”
The smart planning solution supports the transition to clean and smart inland shipping and thus aligns with the public ambitions of the provinces of South Holland, North Holland, and Utrecht to green logistics and stimulate freight transport by water. Support is also provided by the Interreg project “InnoWatr.” In this project, MHS collaborates with the provinces of Fryslan and Groningen, the “Samen Circulair Heerenveen” foundation, and waste processing company OMRIN.
In the autumn, once the prototype is ready for demonstration, a campaign will be launched to expand the concept to additional potential users and regions.
Caption: The assignment was officially signed by Patrick Everts (KOTUG OptiPort), Tomas te Velde and Peter de Bruijn on behalf of the MHS board.
Note to the Editor
- KOTUG International, Eduardo Reis Ramos
Manager Corporate Communications & PR:
e.reisramos@kotug.com
+31 6 2141 0188
- MHS, Erwin vd Linden:
vanderlinden@aristoi.nl
+31 650524263
We’re proud to welcome SD Rosso and SD Chatboul—two powerful RAstar 3200 tugs—on their journey to Senegal.
Both vessels are en route to support KOTUG’s long-term offshore terminal operations in the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas field, where we provide essential towage and marine support services for the region’s cutting-edge LNG infrastructure.
With 80 tonnes of bollard pull and top-tier safety and environmental specs, these sisters are built to deliver—reliably and sustainably.
🌍 Another step forward in strengthening our presence in West Africa.
Safe travels, ladies. We’ll see you in Senegal.
Strengthening Maritime Safety: Tug and Pilot Training at Seamen’s Church Institute
Building on the success of previous years, KOTUG and Seamen’s Church Institute’s Center for Maritime Education (CME) once again joined forces in Houston to deliver an intensive and highly practical training program for our Tug Masters and Buckeye Bahamas Hub’s Pilots operating in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
This year, the program took place over four separate sessions of two days each at CME’s state-of-the-art facilities, featuring one ship bridge and two tug bridges, providing a highly realistic and immersive environment.
In total, a group of 8 tug masters and 7 pilots attended the sessions. This hands-on training was designed to further strengthen collaboration and enhance safety standards during ship assist operations.
A notable update to this year’s curriculum was the close collaboration with Kyle Ward, the head pilot from Buckeye. Together, we customized the simulation exercises to match the specific operational profiles and vessel types the pilots and tug masters encounter in their daily work. This tailored approach ensured the highest level of relevance and practical value for every participant.
The program was led by KOTUG’s experienced pilot trainer Juan Blankenburgh and Waldo de Waal, overseeing the tug operations, with strong support from the CME team under the guidance of Director, Capt. Stephen Polk.
KOTUG and CME believe that safety at sea starts with thorough training on land, learning from experienced mariners and utilizing cutting-edge simulator technology. Initiatives like this are crucial to continuously raise the bar in operational excellence and maritime safety. Both organizations are proud to contribute to developing highly skilled professionals who keep global shipping safe, efficient, and reliable.
Kooren Foundation supports Plastic Whale with donation following team plastic fishing initiative
Last month, KOTUG team members took part in a plastic fishing activity in Rotterdam, organized by Plastic Whale — a foundation dedicated to creating a plastic-free land and sea while inspiring people to act. The experience was more than just a day on the water: it highlighted the importance of collective action and responsibility in keeping our waterways clean.
Motivated by this meaningful experience, the Kooren Foundation decided to make a €2,500 donation to Plastic Whale. This contribution supports initiatives that promote environmental awareness and education.
Plastic Whale transforms plastic waste into valuable products and offers educational programs that engage young people in environmental stewardship. The donation will directly support these educational initiatives, helping to inspire and empower the next generation to make a positive impact.
At KOTUG and the Kooren Foundation, we believe that even small steps can contribute to larger change when it comes to sustainability. We are proud to support Plastic Whale’s mission and look forward to future opportunities to collaborate and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
POWERING THE FUTURE: KOTUG TO DELIVER ZERO-EMISSION EPUSHER TO LITHUANIA’S INLAND WATERWAYS
The project is co-funded by the European Union under the “Next Generation Lithuania” Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan, which allocated €11 million for low-emission inland waterway solutions.
KOTUG International, through its subsidiary Kotug Push-it B.V., has been awarded a landmark contract by the Lithuanian Inland Waterways Authority (VVKD) to deliver the first fully electric pusher tug to operate in the Baltic States. This strategic investment marks a bold step forward in Lithuania’s vision for a more sustainable inland waterway network.
The contract follows an international public tender and has received the green light from Lithuania’s National Security Coordination Commission. The vessel, designed and engineered in the Netherlands, will be built at the Padmos Shipyard in Stellendam and is expected to be operational by the end of next year following a comprehensive testing phase.
“This project represents a leap in sustainable inland shipping,” said Ard-Jan Kooren, President & CEO of KOTUG International. “We are proud to support Lithuania in realizing its ambition to decarbonize its transport sector through innovative electric propulsion. The EPUSHER-L is built to deliver zero-emission performance without compromising on power or endurance.”
The EPUSHER-L will operate on the Nemunas River and is designed for cargo transport using barges supplied by VVKD. With an endurance of up to 50 hours and a range of 300 kilometers on a single charge, the vessel combines operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. The switch from diesel to electric is expected to eliminate up to 91,500 kilograms of CO₂ emissions annually—significantly reducing the carbon footprint of waterway maintenance and cargo transport.
VVKD’s Director General, Vladimiras Vinokurovas, emphasized the significance of this investment:
“This investment marks a strategic shift in our operations: we are beginning the transition to an electric fleet. The first vessel will be used to maintain inland waterway infrastructure, and in the near future, we will increase the number of electric vessels,”
The project is co-funded by the European Union under the “Next Generation Lithuania” Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan, which allocated €11 million for low-emission inland waterway solutions. In addition to the electric pusher tug, VVKD will invest in an electric crane and new barge infrastructure.
With this milestone, KOTUG once again demonstrates its commitment to driving innovation in the maritime industry—offering scalable, future-proof solutions for a cleaner, smarter logistics chain.
The agreement for this E-Pusher L is yet another follow-up to the successful collaboration with our Launching Customer Cargill, for which the first E-Pusher M was deployed 2 years ago.
KOTUG Canada Powers Safer, Smarter Waters on Canada’s West Coast
KOTUG Canada, a joint venture between KOTUG International and Horizon Maritime, is proud to play an important role in ensuring the safe and reliable movement of tankers along Canada’s rugged West Coast. Under a long-term contract for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP), KOTUG Canada delivers dedicated escort towage services for crude oil tankers departing from the Westridge Marine Terminal in Burnaby, British Columbia. Today marks the first anniversary of our services.
To meet the demanding operational and environmental conditions of the region, the current two frontrunners will be replaced by two powerful methanol-fueled escort tugs—SD AISEMAHT and SD QWII-AAN’C SARAH. These are currently under construction at Sanmar Shipyards in Turkey. Designed by Robert Allan Ltd. and powered by SCHOTTEL’s SYDRIVE-M hybrid solution, these RAsalvor 4400-DFM tugs will be the first of their kind globally, delivering more than 115 tonnes of bollard pull.
While methanol fuel today offers a reduction in emissions compared to diesel, it lays the foundation for future decarbonization—enabling a pathway toward low- or zero-carbon methanol alternatives as the market evolves. This step reflects KOTUG’s continued investment in cleaner technologies and future-forward solutions.
The vessels are engineered to operate safely and efficiently in narrow, ecologically sensitive waterways. They feature graphene hull coatings, firefighting systems, and onboard spill response equipment—delivering readiness for every scenario.
A cornerstone of the project is KOTUG Canada’s partnership with the Sc’ianew (Beecher Bay) First Nation, where the escort tugs will be based at Cheanuh Marina. This partnership is more than symbolic—it includes long-term economic participation, training and employment pathways for Indigenous community members, and meaningful collaboration on marine stewardship in traditional waters.
“We’re proud to be building this project alongside the Sc’ianew First Nation,” says Laurens Korporaal, Business Development Manager of KOTUG International. “This is how responsible marine operations should be done—in full partnership with those who have cared for these lands and waters for generations.”
In parallel, a dedicated offshore supply vessel (OSV), operating under contract with the Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC), will remain on standby around the clock, strengthening the region’s spill response capabilities and marine safety infrastructure.
With these innovations and partnerships, KOTUG Canada is proud to support the Trans Mountain Expansion Project—not just with horsepower, but with purpose.