The future starts here in Shipbuilding News 03/06/2026 Of all the challenges facing the maritime industry, perhaps the one that most defines the moment is that of fuel uncertainty. With no way of knowing what fuel, or fuels, will be available, affordable – or perhaps, mandatory – in the future, the way forward lies in flexibility. Competitive in today’s market… That’s the thinking behind Damen Shipyards Group’s Fuel Flexible (FF) Tugs Range. This comprises a series of vessels prepared for conversion to various fuel solutions later in the lifecycle. “The idea,” explains Damen’s Product Manager Tugs Erik van Schaik, “is that when making an investment in a tug today, you need something that is going to be able to compete in today’s market conditions. … prepared for tomorrow’s “However, this is an asset that is going to operate probably for the coming three decades, and those conditions are liable to change in that time. The Fuel Flexible Tug is built to operate on diesel, but can be adapted once we have gained more clarity.” As well as being capable of operating 100% on carbon-neutral HVO biofuel, the tugs feature a space in which a battery and switchboard, or a methanol propulsion system, can be placed at the opportune moment. Future-proof class notation The tugs benefit from future-proof methanol-prepared class notation. They are also ready for installation of a future Damen Ultra Low Emission Vessel (ULEV) system. This is anticipated to combine a carbon-cutting diesel particulate filter (DPF) with Damen’s existing, IMO Tier III compliant selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, which reduces marine NOx emissions by 80%. Damen has selected the propulsion methods available for the FF range based on a thorough analysis of various operational profiles, as well as an informed assessment of potential alternative solutions. Options for various operations For example, for a tug performing predictable, short-distance operations in a port or terminal, a zero-emissions solu