Global tug operator Svitzer has launched an IMO tier III-compliant tug that will reduce nitrogen oxide emissions and pollution in a vital UK port town, Port of Tyne.
Svitzer Jubilee is a Damen Azimuth Stern Drive harbour tug that is outfitted with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to regulate nitrogen oxide emissions.
The SCR system is designed to meet International Maritime Organisation (IMO) tier iii emission criteria, which can lower the danger of health concerns caused by nitrogen oxide reduction in the atmosphere.
Svitzer UK managing director Michael Paterson highlighted Svitzer UK’s approach to reducing emissions in the environment: “Action is needed to reduce climate change, which is why Svitzer is committed to reducing emissions from our operations and to doing our part to deliver sustainable marine services both globally and in our local markets.
“As such, we are delighted to be launching Svitzer Jubilee in the Port of Tyne. The UK market has a significant opportunity for partnering with ports to drive emissions reductions and make the environment safer and cleaner in local communities by reducing the impact our operations have on air quality.”
Marine director at the Port of Tyne Ashley Nicholson underlined the Port of Tyne's decarbonisation initiatives and how this coincides with the objectives of companies like Svitzer.
Nicholson said: "The Port of Tyne is making huge strides forward in achieving our target of becoming a carbon-neutral port by 2030 and we are pleased to work with progressive organisations like Svitzer as we seek to go deeper into our supply chains to decarbonise further.
“Svitzer’s green fleet strategy and the use of low emissions tugs like the Svitzer Jubilee on the River Tyne is part of that drive towards achieving our intentionally ambitious environmental sustainability targets."
The fuel strategy adopted by Svitzer, which now runs its fleet on HVO produced from waste oils and fats, is in line with Port of Tyne's goals to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and become a fully electric port by 2040.
Svitzer runs more than 60 HVO-fuelled tugs in the UK and uses its EcoTow system to help clients reduce their carbon footprints.
Furthermore, Svitzer stated in its carbon neutrality white paper that by 2030, the whole Svitzer fleet will have a 50% reduction in CO₂ intensity.
