The electric pusher tug and barge is the first zero-emission barge transport system in the world.

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Cargill new electric barge
Cargill and Kotug's new e-pushers and e-barges will run on green energy from the wind farm that Cargill and Vattenfall operate.Image courtesy of Nordroden / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Cargill and Kotug International, global supplier of sustainable towage and maritime related services, have partnered to deploy Kotug’s zero emission E-Pusher and E-Barges, the first fully electric pusher boat and barges to transport cocoa beans from the Port of Amsterdam, the largest cocoa import port in the world, to Cargill’s cocoa factory in Zaandam, the Netherlands.

Pushers and barges are essential, efficient methods of delivering goods by water from Dutch ports to the Netherlands and beyond. Cargill is now the first company in the world to put into operation fully electrified pusher and barges for inland shipping, eliminating both emissions and noise pollution.

“Cargill is committed to nourishing the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Electrifying the transportation of our cocoa beans is just one example of how we are implementing new, innovative sustainable practices to reduce our impact on the planet and protect people. The KOTUG E-pusher Type M is the first-of-its-kind and Cargill is excited to be a partner in launching it in the Netherlands,” said Emiel van Dijk, managing director, Cocoa & Chocolate Europe & West Africa.

The zero-emission vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge propulsion systems, eliminating harmful emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). The fully electric pusher boats and barges are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 190.000 kg per year, the equivalent of 15 000 one-way trips by truck from the Port of Amsterdam to Cargill’s cocoa factory in Zaandam, the company says. The boats will run on green energy from the wind farm that Cargill and Vattenfall operate in partnership with Windpark Hanze.

“I would like to express our gratitude to Cargill for their partnership and unwavering support in this transformative endeavor. Together, we are making history and reshaping the future of maritime transportation. This groundbreaking achievement aligns with our mission to provide sustainable solutions to the maritime industry," said Ard-Jan Kooren, president & CEO of KOTUG International. "By introducing the world's first zero emission vessel of this setup, we aim to inspire other shipping companies, governments, and stakeholders to embrace clean energy solutions and make significant strides towards achieving the global climate goals for the next generation.”

About the Author(s)

Powder Bulk Solids Staff

Established in 1983, Powder & Bulk Solids (PBS) serves industries that process, handle, and package dry particulate matter, including the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical markets.

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