Article

ABB to power first fully electric U.S. tugboat for maximum efficiency and zero-emission operations


published on 30 July 2021 66 -

Text by ABB, image by Crowley Engineering Services

ABB will deliver an integrated electric propulsion system and advanced vessel control technology for Crowley’s pioneering eWolf tug, built for sustainable and safe operations at the Port of San Diego.

Upon delivery by Alabama-based shipbuilder Master Boat Builders, Inc. (MBB) in mid-2023, Crowley Maritime Corporation’s new 82-foot (25-meter) vessel will support ship arrivals and departures at the Port of San Diego in California. It will be the first all-electric, battery-powered harbor tug ever built and operated in the United States and only the third of its kind to enter operations worldwide.

Tug operations can be demanding and often need to adapt to fast-changing load requirements. Batteries provide power to the propulsion system almost instantaneously, making ship-assist operations more efficient with no emissions while delivering reliable ship assist and harbor escort services.

Under a contract with MBB, ABB is supplying the end-to-end electric propulsion system to sustain emissions-free operations in waters off the eighth most populous city in the United States. The solution will include a six-megawatt-hour energy storage system (ESS), allowing Crowley’s eWolf tug to achieve 70 short-tons of bollard pull emissions-free. The battery allows the tug to complete a full day of typical work before there is a need to charge.

Achieving lower operational costs on a through-life basis than an equivalent vessel running a conventional engine, the all-electric propulsion solution holds the potential to eliminate the equivalent of over 100 cars worth of CO2 pollution every year, according to ABB.

The new vessel will embody Crowley’s commitment to sustainable shipping solutions going forward.

“The eWolf’s innovative propulsion system and advanced control technology will provide a sustainable ship assist solution with increased safety and capabilities,” said Crowley’s Porter Sesnon, director, business development for ship assist and offshore services. “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.”

Systems on board will also feature products from the ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot family for enhancing crew safety and reducing workload. ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Vision situational awareness solution will provide 360-degree visibility from the pilot’s station, and ABB Ability™ Marine Control will enable maneuvering support and future remote operations.

“At ABB, we are pioneering the adoption of electric, digital and connected technologies for greater sustainability in the Americas and globally, as well as helping shipowners deploy the automated systems that advance maritime safety,” said David Lee, Senior Account Manager – Commercial Vessels, ABB Marine & Ports. “It is an honor to have been selected by Crowley – a company renowned for reliability in service provision, whose goals on the environment and safety align so closely with our own.”

In addition to systems integration, engineering and automation on the newbuilding, ABB will supply the award-wining Onboard DC Grid™ power distribution system platform for optimized energy use. Onboard DC Grid™ enables seamless integration of battery for zero-emissions operations by using renewables as an energy source. The full scope of supply also includes propulsion motors, low-voltage switchboards, transformers, li-ion batteries, mechanical L-drive thrusters and the ABB Ability™ Remote Diagnostics System for Marine for continuous equipment monitoring and predictive maintenance.

What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article New protocols to mitigate COVID-19 cases onboard

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 8 September 2020

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) and the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) issued new protocols to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 cases on board.

0

Article Hong Kong pilotage dues set to rise for the first time since 2016

published on 20 October 2022

The Hong Kong Pilotage (Amendment) Bill 2022, which was gazetted on 14 October, provides for an adjustment to pilotage fees and clarification of the regulations governing pilot medical examinations.

0

Article Gantry Crane Collision at Kaohsiung Port (Taiwan)

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 3 June 2021

According to media reports from Taiwan, a collision between an OOCL vessel and a Gantry Crane occurred today (03.06.2021).

1

Article Hamburg Port Services is a new partner of Marine‑Pilots.com

published on 13 November 2020

Your Partner for maritime pilot trainings
Hamburg Port Services was based on an initiative launched by the Hamburg Harbour Pilots' Association and was founded on 19 August 2004. Our partner offers highly specialised shipping services. All experts have ...

1

Article COSCO Panamax bulk carrier aground again, Parana river

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 29 May 2020

Bulk carrier COFCO 1 with 41,900 tons of soybean resumed sailing downstream after grounding, which took place on May 25-26, but at around 0630 UTC May 27 she ran aground again, this time in San Pedro area at 269 kilometer mark, Parana river.

0

Video Maiden voyage of HMM Algeciras #1-Qingdao

published on 5 June 2020

1st 24,000 TEU vessel, 1st Containers loaded, 1st Port call Qingdao

0

Opinion If you facilitate 90% of the world's trade, would you influence change?

by Melvin Mathews - published on 1 December 2020

Without a shadow of doubt, shipping is a key enabler of our current way of life and the globalized world we live in today. The irony is that the average person is unaware of the significance or contribution of the shipping industry and how much we rely on ships working without disruption

1

Video How SHIP Navigate Through Ice (Part-2, Conversation With Pilot & Captain)

published on 29 May 2021

This is part -2 (CONVERSATION WITH PILOT AND CAPTAIN) In person Appearing - Captain Thomas Madsen Harbour Pilot, ST. Petersburg Company Credit - WWW.Maersk.com Location - Saint Petersburg, Russia Vessel - Venta Maersk Calender - (JANUARY - APRI), 2021 Music credit - Stock Music Filmora All video was shot on GoPro Hero 9 Edited through Adobe Light Room & Wondershare Filmora If you have not seen the 1st part find the link below How SHIP Navigate Through Ice (Part-1,...

1