City Barging, a Dutch inland transport company, has expanded its fleet by purchasing two new electric pusher tugs from a local shipyard called Talsma. 

The City Tug 1 and City Tug 2 are six-by-four-meter vessels designed by naval architecture firm Van Dorresteijn. They will operate in Amsterdam's inland waters, handling 60-tonne hopper barges that transport materials for various construction projects along the city's canals. With a height of just 1.75 meters, they can easily pass under the numerous bridges throughout the capital. 

The company required vessels that were as compact as possible and equipped with electric propulsion suitable for inner-city transport. The tugs were built in compliance with Amsterdam's municipal requirements, which limit dimensions to 20 by 4.25 meters. Even when handling 14-meter-long hopper barges, the combined length of the tugs and barges remains within the maximum size limitations. 

The decision to opt for electric propulsion aligns with Amsterdam's goal of achieving full emission-free status by 2025. Each tug has a 230kWh battery pack housed in an aluminum frame with lifting points. A bolted hatch overhead allows for easy removal of the frame and battery for replacement. 

Enhanced maneuverability was a specific requirement for the tugs, enabling them to easily navigate barges through the tight turns of the city's canals.