GEAR | Crowley’s first fully-electric tug to get ABB propulsion

ABB will deliver an integrated electric propulsion system and advanced vessel control technology for Crowley Maritime Corporation’s fully-electric tug eWolf, which will be built for operations at the Port of San Diego.

Crowley said the tug will be the first all-electric, battery-powered harbour tug ever built and operated in the United States and only the third of its kind to enter operations worldwide. Construction is underway at Master Boat Builders (MBB) in Alabama and delivery is scheduled for mid-2023.

Under a contract with MBB, ABB will supply an end-to-end electric propulsion system to sustain emissions-free operations. The arrangement will include a 6MWh energy storage system that will allow the 82-foot (25-metre) tug to achieve 70 tons (63.5 tonnes) of bollard pull without emissions.

ABB said the battery will allow the tug to complete a full day of typical work before there is a need to charge.

Systems on board will also feature a situational awareness system that will provide 360-degree visibility from the pilot’s station and system that will enable manoeuvring support and future remote operations.

In addition to systems integration, engineering and automation on the newbuilding, ABB will supply a power distribution system platform for optimised energy use.

The full scope of supply also includes propulsion motors, low-voltage switchboards, transformers, li-ion batteries, mechanical L-drive thrusters and the ABB’s proprietary remote diagnostics system for continuous equipment monitoring and predictive maintenance.

See more stories from this month’s Tug and Salvage Week here.