The Lafarge Group uses a pusher tug to transport river barges loaded with cement and aggregates to, from and around Paris. The "Marsouin", a traditionally-propelled vessel, is being transformed into a hybrid diesel-electric vessel. Its battery storage system will be supplied by Leclanché SA, a leading manufacturer of battery systems for all-electric and hybrid vessels. The vessel will run on batteries alone for around 80% of the time, and will deliver a 40% reduction in C02 emissions and a 70% drop in NOx and micro-particles.
Lafarge operates one of the largest private river fleets in France, transporting over 4 million tonnes of goods by river every year, 95% of which on the Seine. With the modernization of Le Marsouin, the company has announced the construction of a line of electric pusher tugs. The project is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2024.
"The modernization of our Marsouin pusher tug is the first step in an ambitious program to modernize our entire fleet by 2030, which will enable us to transport our materials more ecologically and reduce our environmental impact over the long term," said Kevin Audegond, River Operations Manager - Agence IdF Seine Aval, Lafarge France.
