The development of eWolf the first electric ship assist tug in the US considered to be a significant moment for the entire US shipping industry has started at the Master Boat Builders‘ (MBB) shipyard located in Coden, Alabama.
Created by the Florida-based Crowley the 82-foot vessel is expected to be finished and operational by around 2023 in the Port of San Diego, as part of a collaboration between federal as well as California agencies. eTug is being built in conjunction with the design and construction control from Crowley Engineering Services and its recently integrated Jensen Maritime naval architecture and marine engineering group
According to Crowley, the eWolf is equipped with an innovative design that permits the vessel to run completely electric, while retaining full performance capabilities and zero emissions of carbon.
The Technology Group ABB will supply an integral electronic bundle along with German propeller manufacturer Schottel will provide two RudderPropellers model SRP 430 that will include the LE-Drive on the ship.
The eWolf will be equipped with a 6MWh energy storage system that has enough capacity to complete a whole day of normal operation without consuming a drop of fuel. Batteries are able to supply power to the propulsion system in a matter of minutes and provide effective support for ships and harbor escort services with no emissions.
In his remarks on the project, Garrett Rice, president of MBB stated: “Initiating construction of the first entirely electric US tugboat the eWolf is a historic occasion to Crowley as well as Master Boat Builders. It is also a significant event for the whole US maritime industry in our efforts to provide revolutionary net zero-emission capability for the maritime industry”.
“We are excited to begin construction of eWolf at Master Boat Builders on a vessel that will open a new chapter in sustainable maritime services in America’s harbors” declared Ray Martus the vice-president of Crowley Engineering Services. “We look forward to working with the men and women of MBB to deliver a high-performance vessel that offers increased efficiency and safety for our mariners”.
The vessel is expected to cut down on emissions of 178 tons NOx, 2.5 tons of particulate matter and 3,100 tonnes of CO2 in a ten-year time frame the vessel is believed to reflect the company’s commitment to sustainability, as well as its recently made public pledge to achieve net-zero emissions in all areas by 2050.
