E-Pusher M for ROS equipped with battery pack from EST-Floattech
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.
KOTUG Consortium Selected by Rijkswaterstaat for Next Phase of Power2Tow Tender
We are proud to announce that the consortium Kustkracht, which includes KOTUG International B.V., IHC Defence B.V., and Bluewater Energy Services B.V., has been one of the 3 selected by Rijkswaterstaat to participate in the next phase of the Power2Tow tender.
This step moves us closer to realizing three almost-emission-free Emergency Response Towing Vessels (ERTVs) for the North Sea — vessels that can operate electrically, and switch to sustainable methanol when higher power is required.
Kotug is honored to be part of this ambitious consortium. We bring our deep experience in tug operations, innovation, and vessel performance to this partnership. Together, we will help design, develop, and deliver the infrastructure and vessels needed to reduce environmental impact while enhancing safety at sea.
We look forward to collaborating closely with all partners, innovators, and stakeholders across the maritime chain to make Power2Tow a groundbreaking success. Stay tuned for updates as the project evolves.
Check the full article from Rijkswaterstaat: https://lnkd.in/eM89qFSP
KOTUG Training & Consultancy and The Seamen’s Church Institute Renew Strategic Partnership to Advance Maritime Training in the U.S.
KOTUG Training & Consultancy (KTC) and the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) have renewed their strategic partnership to further expand world-class maritime training opportunities for U.S. mariners.
Through its Center for Maritime Education in Paducah, KY, and Houston, SCI is a leading provider of simulation-based training in the United States. With this renewed collaboration, SCI will leverage KOTUG’s internationally recognized trainers and consultants to strengthen its harbor tug training programs and integrated tug master–ship pilot courses.
As a global leader in harbor, river, and terminal towage training, KOTUG will benefit from access to SCI’s state-of-the-art vessel and tug simulators. Together, the organizations will offer complementary services to ports, terminals, and the inland tug and barge industry, ensuring mariners have access to advanced training and innovative assessment tools.
“We are proud to continue working with SCI,” said Ard-Jan Kooren, CEO, KOTUG. “This collaboration merges international best practices with SCI’s deep knowledge of the U.S. market, providing unparalleled opportunities for maritime professionals.”
“The renewal of our partnership with KOTUG reflects our shared commitment to maritime safety and excellence,” added The Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, President and Executive Director of SCI. “By combining our facilities with KOTUG’s global expertise, we can deliver the highest quality training for American mariners.”
The renewed agreement strengthens both organizations’ ability to meet the evolving demands of the maritime industry and supports their shared mission to enhance safety, performance, and professionalism on the water.
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.