Article

Maersk and Svitzer to Develop Fuel Cell Tug Powered by Green Methanol


published on 11 November 2021 48 -

Text and photo by Maersk

Maersk’s world leading towage operator, has signed an agreement with Robert Allan Ltd, leading naval architect company, to design the world’s first fuel cell tug for harbour operations, running on green methanol. The project builds on close cooperation between Svitzer and Maersk with the aim to jointly explore the combination of methanol fuel cells, batteries, storage/handling systems, electric drives and propulsion units as a carbon neutral alternative to the conventional fossil fuelled propulsion train.

Commenting on the agreement, Ingrid Uppelschoten Snelderwaard, Global COO, Svitzer, says:

“Fuel cells will be applicable as main propulsion power for tugs earlier than for larger vessels and further, the time to build a tug is significantly less than for a container vessel. Svitzer will obtain valuable knowledge and operational experience handling fuel cells as an alternative to diesel or pure electric power. We consider this project a significant step in Svitzer’s ambition to lead the decarbonisation of towage and an important contribution to the joint efforts to develop solutions with a positive impact on the environment.”

Svitzer and Maersk are working closely together to determine technologies that support the overall Maersk decarbonisation journey. The objective is to extract and apply knowledge and operational experience of methanol feasibility from the near shore small scale tug onto larger ocean-going container vessels. 

Commenting on the collaboration, Ole Graa Jakobsen, Maersk Head of Fleet Technology, explains:

“Fuel cell technology could be a disruptor in the maritime technology space, promising high efficiencies and eliminating the need for substantial amounts of pilot ignition fuels while removing harmful emissions. Thus, we have been monitoring the technology for the last few years, and with the accelerating developments in the ‘Power-to-X’ arena, it has become evident that we should step up our engagement in fuel cells, especially in combination with Green Methanol.”

The 80 tons bollard pull newbuild tug with escort notation will come with a hybrid electrical propulsion system solution where fuel cells can be dimensioned to deliver a specific amount of sustained bollard pull using fuel cells alone, adding additional power from the batteries during the short but often frequent peaks that characterises towage. The fuel cells can be used to charge the batteries when the tug is mobilising and when the tug is berthed, minimising the need for expensive shore side charging facilities. The combination of fuels cells and batteries will deliver a self-sustained tug with longer endurance and with less operational constraints than a pure battery powered vessel.

Jim Hyslop, Director of Project Development, Robert Allan Ltd, adds:

“Robert Allan Ltd. is very excited to be working with Svitzer on the development of this new tug design.  It is refreshing to work with an operator with such a progressive and forward-thinking attitude and this move towards drastically reducing tug emissions is a bold step. By taking the lead with this technologically advanced project, Svitzer and Maersk are making true and meaningful progress towards a greener future in the tug industry. Robert Allan Ltd. is proud to be a part of this team and we look forward to the challenges and opportunities that this innovative vessel will bring.”

The fuel cell tug will function as a pilot design for future Svitzer newbuilds and is planned to be put into operation within the Svitzer Europe region by Q1 2024.

Join the conversation...

Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Captain Robert de Roos Loodswezen Rotterdam - Rijnmond, Netherlands
on 11 November 2021, 17:09 UTC

As a pilot, I am looking forward to use this new, clean but powerful technology !
0

Read more...

Video Webinar - Tug Use in Port with Henk Hensen

published on 7 December 2021

02:29 Captain Henk Hensen introduces the 4th Edition of his book Tug Use in Port with new topics including tug operation in swell and working with naval ships.
27:52 Captain Scott Clinton describes the development of active tug escort for tankers approaching Newcastle Harbour.

0

Video Safety of Navigation vs. Commercial Pressure

published on 18 January 2021

Safety of Navigation vs. Commercial Pressure / ROMEILs Tv Commercial Pressures impacts the safety of the vessel, study says Seafarers are pressured to keep quiet and keep the ship moving by ship operators, who dont want to lose inccome. Ship's officers who bring safety issues to the attention of management are exposed to the risk of retaliation. As whistle-blowers they may face punishment, demotion or even termination. International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) has...

0

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

Article AIMPA Journal- June 2021 issue XII

by AIMPA - All India Marine Pilots' Association - published on 17 June 2021

The All India Maritime Pilots' Association has released its new journal for June

1

Article IMPA is hosting examples of best practice and protocols during Covid-19 times

by IMPA - International Maritime Pilots’ Association - published on 26 March 2020

IMPA has published examples of best practice together with a letter from Capt. Simon Pelletier, President of IMPA.

0

Opinion Example of a passage and berthing plan

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 19 June 2020

As part of a good Master-Pilot exchange (MPX) the passage plan and berthing plan is discussed with the bridge team.

0

Article Hwalein Marine Pilot got accident while boarding

by Video found on YouTube - published on 8 February 2020

Another accident was reported on YouTube on Feb. 3rd 2020 by akif pradias.
"This video shown how's hwalein pilot got accident while boarding the vessel, its teach us to be more carefully during pilot transfer..."

0

Article Svitzer Amea Signs 10-Year Contract With Fgen LNG Corporation

published on 19 July 2021

Svitzer, a leading global towage provider and part of Maersk, has today announced that it has signed a 10-year Time Charter Party with FGEN LNG Corporation (FGEN LNG), a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Gen Corporation (First Gen) for the provision of towage and other vessel support services required by FGEN LNG’s Interim Offshore LNG Terminal which will feature a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) that will be located at the First Gen Clean Energy Complex in Batangas City in the Philippines.

0

Video Pilot Boat - Carnival Cruise at Port Canaveral

published on 19 September 2019

This is a video of the cruise ship pilot boat that picks up the pilot once he has navigated the ship out of the port. This is a requirement of all cruise ships coming into and leaving out of ports. We also noticed them at the Bahamas. I was able to capture this one on my last cruise leaving out of Port Canaveral... watch as the pilot jumps from the cruise ship to the pilot boat while both are moving! :)

0

Article Rumos Práticos 62 by Praticagem do Brasil published in Portuguese and English

published on 4 November 2022

In the 62nd edition of Rumos Práticos the editors visited the Paranaguá and Antonina Pilotage Zone (Paraná-PR) to portray the challenges faced by the pilots in one of the largest port complexes in South America.

3