Netherlands-based maritime firm Aurelia is planning to retrofit the Wijsmuller Titan — a tugboat originally built in 1956 — with a fully zero-emission propulsion system, according to Ship & Bunker. The company shared details of the project in an email statement on Monday.
Preserving the Hull, Rebuilding Everything Else
Rather than constructing a new vessel from scratch, Aurelia has chosen to retain the Wijsmuller Titan’s original hull, which the company says remains suitable for both performance and safety purposes. The approach centres on rebuilding all systems around the existing structure while keeping the vessel’s foundational form intact.
Raffaele Frontera, CEO of Aurelia, was quoted by Ship & Bunker as saying: “Rather than replacing the vessel’s legacy, we are preserving its original hull, a structure known for its strength and seaworthiness, and rebuilding everything around it.”
Emission-Free Propulsion — Technology Still to Be Confirmed
While Aurelia has confirmed its intention to implement a fully emission-free propulsion system, the company has not yet disclosed which specific technology will be used, as reported by Ship & Bunker. The Wijsmuller Titan measures approximately 44.8 metres in length and operates at a service speed of around 10 knots.
The project represents a notable step in applying zero-emission ambitions to heritage vessels — demonstrating that decarbonisation efforts are not limited to newly built ships.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
