AYK batteries to propel most powerful escort tug
The Svitzer Balder is of the TRAnsverse tug design, proprietary to Svitzer, and the battery will be supported by dual fuel methanol engines for back-up and range extension
(Source: James Hyslop)
Marine battery firm AYK Energy has completed sea trials on the first battery-methanol harbour tug which, it is claimed, is the most powerful electric escort tug built so far.
The Svitzer Balder, built at Uzmar Shipyard in Türkiye and the fifth Svitzer tug for which AYK has provided batteries, will now be delivered to the Port of Gothenburg. The battery system, an ABS-certified AriesA 6MWh setup, will have an expected lifespan of about ten years.
The tug will be capable of undertaking about 90% of its towing and docking operations in zero-emission mode. The vessel will be powerful enough to operate in near-open ocean waters as well as in harbour.
AYK Energy founder Chris Kruger commented that batteries designed with lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells can provide the necessary energy density and power that is required. The LFP technology is less expensive than nickel-manganese-cobalt cell technology and AYK is the first manufacturer to secure a type-approved LFP battery system.
