E-Pusher 1 – for Kotug
C-Job assists to create breakthrough E-Pusher 1
C-Job worked with Padmos, a family run shipbuilder, on behalf of their client and shipowner, Kotug. In 2021, Kotug launched its E-Pusher concept of fully electric pusher boat and barges, which are a world first. The concepts were created by Kotug, and C-Job collaborated with Padmos on the basic and detailed engineering for the first of these vessels, the E-Pusher 1.
The concept of the new E-Pusher 1 is something that’s never been seen before: a fully electric and zero-emission pusher tug with a hull made of HDPE plastic.
Kotug chose HDPE since it has many benefits, such as light weight, durability, and the fact that it’s a non-toxic and environmentally-friendly material which can be recycled. HDPE is also weather and rot proof with low maintenance requirements, which are clear advantages in the maritime industry.
C-Job in close cooperation with Padmos provided the basic and detailed engineering to integrate a 20-foot modular battery container on the vessel. This offers the unique ability to switch between various energy sources, from fossil, hybrid, and fully electric power to hydrogen, ensuring it’s ready to switch to other sustainable energy sources in the future. Being completely electric, the E-Pusher 1 operates silently, reducing noise in populated areas.
We also assisted on the setup of the modular build and strength calculations of the steel frame and HDPE hull for the E-Pusher 1, and supported Padmos with project management, managing the building support, and elements of vessel commissioning
Because of its modular design, the construction process of the vessel took half the time compared to a traditional pusher. The E-Pusher 1 can push up to 4,000 tons of cargo and now transports barges of cocoa beans from the Port of Amsterdam to Cargill’s cocoa factory in Zaandam. It is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 190,000 kg per year, the same amount as about 15,000 truck journeys by road.