Beginning on 1 January 2021, the tender has a duration of five years, extendable for a further three

The company will put in to operation eight tugs certified to the highest environmental standards in this North Sea port

Boluda Towage Europe, a Boluda Towage subsidiary operating in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom, will provide towing services in the Belgian port of Zeebrugge for a five-year contract starting 1 January 2021, on presenting the most advantageous tender.

The new concession is extendable for three years and will provide services with eight tugs certified to the highest fire-fighting standards, manned with a local crew from the Belgian town.

This fleet will employ two new tugs that comply with the latest Tier III emission standards. In addition to UNION KOALA, which was upgraded to IMO Tier III standards in 2019, this year Boluda Towage Europe will retrofit the UNION PANDA.

The remaining tugs will see reduce emissions during the first two years of the contract, a measure that will reach 80% reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions.

Electric power connections will also become the norm for moored tugs, enabling them to turn off their engines when they are idle and during the crew’s rest period.

The service concession was awarded due to factors such as efficient, smooth-running and safe assistance at a competitive price, and for sustainability-supporting initiatives.

Boluda Towage Europe tugs assist the NICOLAY ZUBOV vessel in the North Sea Belgian port of Zeebrugge.