Tug News Roundup | April 22 – US Navy towing and salvage ship, electric newbuilds and more
New tugs have been delivered to operators in China and the Middle East as construction continues on towing vessels for commercial and defence customers in the United States. A Japanese builder has meanwhile a dual-fuel tug that can also run on hydrogen.
UAE's Noatum Maritime acquires electric tugs
UAE operator Noatum Maritime, part of the AD Ports Group’s maritime and shipping cluster, has expanded its fleet of zero-emission vessels with the recent acquisition of two new tugs and a new pilot boat.
The electric RSD tugs will be operated at Khalifa Port. Following the successful trial of the first unit, Noatum Maritime has opted to permanently integrate the vessel into its fleet, alongside an additional unit entering service before the end of April 2025.
Port of Los Angeles to welcome compact electric tug into service
An existing tug retrofitted with an electric propulsion system will be operated at the Port of Los Angeles following its delivery.
Los Angeles-based electric boatbuilder Arc is retrofitting the tug in partnership with Diversified Marine of Portland, Oregon. The vessel will be equipped with a dual-motor drivetrain, large lithium-ion battery packs, and a real-time performance monitoring system.
The tug will also boast split assembly construction to permit land transport.
Arc expects that the tug will begin operations at the port this summer.
Keel laid for US Navy towing and salvage ship Solomon Atkinson
Austal USA laid the keel of the future US Navy towing, salvage and rescue ship (T-ATS) USNS Solomon Atkinson in a ceremony on Wednesday, April 16.
The newest Navajo-class T-ATS honours the late Solomon Atkinson, a US Navy veteran and member of the Metlakatla Indian Community. A decorated navy SEAL who saw action during the Vietnam War, Atkinson later became Mayor of Metlakatla, Alaska.
Rizhao Port, Shandong, receives powerful offshore tug pair
Rizhao Gangda Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co. has delivered Ri Gang Tuo 32 and Ri Gang Tuo 33, a pair of offshore towing and vessel assistance tugs, to Rizhao Port in Shandong, China.
Remote monitoring and control systems are integrated on the Robert Allan Ltd-designed tugs, to improve performance and safety, distinguishing them within the port fleets.
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding launches dual-fuel hydrogen tug
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding launched Japan’s first tug to be equipped with a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine on March 28, 2025.
The vessel is equipped with a high-power output hydrogen dual-fuel 3,300kW (4,400hp) engine and a high-pressure hydrogen gas storage system with high capacity and supply.
