Utrecht, 30 June 2026

Rijkswaterstaat has officially launched the research and development phase of the Power2Tow project. Under this innovation partnership, three consortia will simultaneously develop new solutions for near-zero-emission emergency response towing vessels, along with the associated offshore and onshore charging infrastructure. On 30 June, Director-General Martin Wijnen signed the cooperation agreements with the three consortia.

A distinctive feature of Power2Tow is that Rijkswaterstaat is entering the research and development phase together with the selected consortia. As part of the innovation partnership, all three consortia have been awarded both an assignment and funding to further develop and refine their proposed innovative solutions. This approach creates room for different technological pathways and innovative concepts. The consortia will work on solutions for the vessels themselves, the offshore and onshore charging infrastructure, and the operational deployment of the complete system.

During the research and development phase, the proposals will be further developed, tested, and evaluated. Ultimately, one consortium will be selected to deliver the project for Rijkswaterstaat. This allows the project to move directly into the construction and operational phase without the need for a new procurement procedure. Each consortium consists of a partnership of companies and/or organisations, each contributing its own area of expertise.

The consortia selected for the research and development phase are:

• Kustkracht: KOTUG International B.V., IHC Defence B.V., and Bluewater Energy Services B.V.
• Multraship Ocean Towage B.V., Damen Shipbuilding & Cooperation B.V., and Stillstrom A/S
• Smit Terminals Europe B.V. & Smit Salvage B.V.

Safety and sustainability in the North Sea

Through Power2Tow, Rijkswaterstaat is developing a future-proof emergency towing capability for the North Sea. The project involves the development of three electric Emergency Response Towing Vessels (ERTVs) that can recharge offshore using wind energy. Among other tasks, these vessels will help protect offshore wind farms from collisions involving ships in distress.

The project also includes the development of offshore and onshore charging infrastructure, as well as the provision of operational services over a 25-year period. The vessels will operate electrically wherever possible. During emergency towing operations, they will use sustainable e-methanol as fuel. This project will provide a significant boost to the further decarbonisation of the maritime sector.

Part of the Rijksrederij Fleet Renewal Programme

Power2Tow is part of the Fleet Renewal Programme for the Rijksrederij (Government Fleet). Through this programme, Rijkswaterstaat is working to sustainably modernise the Dutch government fleet.

Power2Tow also contributes to the maritime sector agenda, “No guts, no Hollands glorie!”, which aims to give greater consideration to the strategic interests of the Dutch maritime manufacturing industry in government procurement processes.

The Power2Tow project is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, the Dutch Coast Guard, and the interdepartmental National Maritime Manufacturing Office.