Boarding the world’s first zero-emission electric pusher barge

Cargill is committed to nourishing the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. That’s why we’re proud to be partnering with Kotug International on the launch of E-Pusher™ and E-Barges, the world’s first fully electric pusher boat and barges. We’re using these new zero-emission vessel to transport cocoa beans from the Port of Amsterdam, the largest cocoa import port in the world, to Cargill’s cocoa factory in Zaandam, the Netherlands. Together with Kotug, we’re making history and reshaping the future of maritime transportation.

Pushers and barges are essential, efficient methods of delivering goods by water from Dutch ports to the Netherlands and beyond. By being the first to adopt a fully electrified setup for inland shipping, Cargill will drastically reduce both emissions and noise pollution.

The zero-emission vessel, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge propulsion systems, eliminates harmful emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). The fully electric pusher boats and barges are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 190,000kg per year, the equivalent of 15,000 single trips by truck. Furthermore, the boats run on green energy from the wind farm that Cargill and Vattenfall operate in partnership with Windpark Hanze in the Netherlands.

The modular vessel can be powered by different energy sources – from electric to hydrogen, making it futureproof. It also has a shallow draft that allows it to operate at low water levels. 

Electrifying the transportation of our cocoa beans is just one example of how we are implementing new, innovative sustainable practices to reduce our impact on the planet and protect people. We hope that this initiative will inspire other companies to follow a similar approach to zero-emission shipping.

Read the press release in Dutch or English.

Cargill has been operating in The Netherlands since 1959 and has 2,800 employees across its 11 locations. Its’ activity in Europe, Middle East & Africa covers everything from Ocean Transport & Logistics to Starches & Sweeteners, Cocoa & Chocolate, Grains & Oilseeds, Proteins and more.