First US-flagged fully electric tug to enter service in 2023

US-based Crowley Maritime Corporation confirmed earlier this week that it plans to introduce the first US-flagged fully electric tug into service by mid-2023.

The vessel will have a length of 82 feet (25 metres) and a bollard pull of 70 tons (63 tonnes). Crowley expects that its first 10 years of use will result in reductions of 178 tons (161 tonnes) of NOx, 2.5 tons (2.2 tonnes) of particulate matter, and 3,417 tons (3,100 tonnes) of CO2 compared to a conventional tug.

Construction will take place at the Coden, Alabama facilities of Master Boat Builders. Design work will be provided by Crowley Engineering Services through its recently acquired Jensen Maritime division.

The tug will serve the Port of San Diego in California, where dedicated shore charging facilities will also be installed by Crowley.