ABB to supply power package for first fully electric US tug
Illustration of the eWolf
(Source: Crowley Engineering Services)
Crowley Maritime Corporation has chosen an integrated electric propulsion system from ABB for a 25m-long tug, eWolf, to be built by Master Boat Builders Inc of Alabama.
On delivery in 2023, eWolf will be the first fully-electric tug in the United States. It will assist ships arriving and leaving the Port of San Diego.
The tug’s systems are designed for fast-changing load requirements. Batteries can provide power to the propulsion system almost instantaneously, ABB said, enabling effective ship support and harbour escort services with no emissions.
The eWolf will have a 6-Mwh energy storage system providing a bollard pull of 70 short tons. The battery will have sufficient capacity to enable the vessel to operate over one full day of normal work.
ABB claims that eWolf will have lower through-life operating costs than a conventional unit and will save CO2 emissions equivalent to those of more than 100 cars annually.
Porter Sesnon, Crowley’s director of business development for ship assist and offshore services, commented: “Crowley looks forward to working with ABB and Master Boat Builders to deliver this groundbreaking ship assist tug and to provide customers in San Diego with a zero-emission, high-performing vessel.”
