**Abu Dhabi**: Noatum Maritime, part of AD Ports Group, has invested in the GCC’s first electric hydrofoiling pilot boat and two world-record electric tug boats, boosting zero-emission port activities at Khalifa Port and advancing sustainable maritime logistics.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Noatum Maritime, part of AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster, has made significant strides in advancing sustainable maritime operations through two key investments in zero-emission vessels. These include the acquisition of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) first all-electric hydrofoiling pilot boat and two fully electric tug boats, underscoring the company’s commitment to decarbonising port activities and offering customers more environmentally friendly and efficient solutions.
The pioneering vessel among these investments is the 12-metre Artemis EF-12 Pilot boat, which utilises Artemis Technologies’ innovative eFoiler® technology. This electric hydrofoiling boat operates by lifting its hull above the water’s surface, drastically reducing drag and cutting energy consumption by up to 85%. This reduction results in major fuel and maintenance savings while increasing overall speed and operational efficiency. As the first of its kind in the GCC, the Artemis EF-12 pilot boat constitutes a milestone in energy-efficient pilotage, providing a high-performance alternative that aligns with global climate targets.
Complementing this advance, Noatum Maritime has integrated two Damen RSD-E tug 2513 tugs into its fleet at Khalifa Port. These 70-tonne bollard pull electric tugboats have gained recognition as the world’s most powerful electric tugs, as certified by Guinness World Records. Their rapid charging technology allows for completion of multiple port assignments on a single charge, with the ability to be fully recharged within two hours. Following a successful trial of the first unit, Noatum Maritime decided to enhance its sustainable towage operations through the permanent addition of the initial tug, with the second entered into service in April 2025.
Captain Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, CEO of the Maritime & Shipping Cluster at AD Ports Group, emphasised the strategic nature of these investments. Speaking to DredgeWire, he stated, “By investing in zero-emission pilotage and harbour operations, Noatum Maritime is delivering a cleaner more efficient solution that reduces the environmental footprint of port operations, drives long term cost savings and also benefits our customers. By offering fully electric alternatives we are supporting our customers sustainability goals and potentially enabling them to leverage carbon credits. In pioneering these technologies, we are reinforcing our commitment to sustainable innovation and setting new benchmarks for the industry.”
Noatum Maritime’s transition to electric vessels is part of a broader sustainability strategy that includes ongoing investments in eco-friendly port infrastructure. These initiatives not only advance the company’s role as a leader in sustainable harbour operations but also contribute meaningfully to global decarbonisation efforts, delivering performance and cost efficiency compared to traditional maritime operations.
The DredgeWire is reporting that Noatum Maritime’s introduction of these cutting-edge zero-emission vessels at Khalifa Port marks a significant development in the region’s pursuit of cleaner maritime logistics and greener port management.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.noatummaritime.com/news-media/noatum-maritime-pioneers-zero-emission-harbour-operations-with-100-electric-tugs-and-pilot-boat.html – This URL supports Noatum Maritime’s investment in zero-emission vessels, including the GCC’s first all-electric hydrofoiling pilot boat and electric tugboats, aligning with their broader decarbonization strategy.
- https://www.offshore-energy.biz/noatum-maritime-embraces-zero-emission-harbor-ops-with-all-electric-vessels/ – This URL confirms Noatum Maritime’s adoption of all-electric vessels as part of its decarbonization efforts, enhancing sustainability in harbor operations.
- https://container-news.com/noatum-maritime-sets-new-standard-with-all-electric-units/ – It highlights Noatum Maritime’s pioneering role in sustainable maritime operations with the acquisition of the first electric hydrofoiling pilot boat in the GCC and Damen electric tugboats.
- https://inspenet.com/en/noticias/noatum-maritime-leads-sustainable-port-operations-with-electric-tugs-and-vessels/ – This URL underscores Noatum Maritime’s commitment to sustainable port operations through investments in cutting-edge electric technology, including an electric pilot boat and electric tugboats.
- https://mfame.guru/noatum-maritime-pioneers-sustainable-port-operations-with-electric-vessel-investments/ – It discusses Noatum Maritime’s strategic investments in zero-emission vessels, particularly the Artemis EF-12 pilot boat and Damen tugs, which align with global sustainability goals.
- https://www.dredgewire.com – Although the specific article is not directly available, DredgeWire is mentioned as a source that Captain Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba spoke to, emphasizing the strategic importance of these investments in sustainable maritime operations.
- https://dredgewire.com/noatum-maritime-pioneers-zero-emission-harbour-operations-with-100-electric-tugs-and-pilot-boat/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative references events as recent as April 2025, including the commissioning of the second electric tug in that month, indicating the information is current and not recycled. No indications of outdated references or roles were found.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The direct quote from Captain Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba appears unique to this report, with no earlier online references found. This suggests an original, primary source interview, enhancing trustworthiness although verification from additional independent sources would strengthen confidence.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from DredgeWire, a specialised maritime industry news platform. While recognized within its niche, it is less widely known than global mainstream outlets. This provides reasonable reliability for maritime-specific developments but overall certainty is moderate.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
Claims about electric hydrofoiling pilot boats and electric tugboats with Guinness World Records certification align with known technological advancements and are plausible given recent global trends in maritime decarbonisation. The involvement of well-known manufacturers and regional actors further supports plausibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative reports recent developments dated April 2025 involving credible technological advances in electric maritime vessels within a known regional port authority. The original CEO quote adds authenticity. Although verification from more mainstream global media is limited, the specialised nature and timeliness provide strong grounds to accept the information as accurate and fresh.
