Maritime, energy and logistics solutions company Crowley announced Wednesday it had accepted delivery of eWolf, the first all-electric, ship assist harbor tugboat in the United States.
The tugboat, designed by Crowley’s engineering services team, will operate with zero emissions while providing all of the performance capabilities of a traditional tugboat. The boat represents a collaboration between Crowley and federal, state, and local government partners, the company said. The technology includes a shoreside, microgrid charging and storage station at the Port of San Diego, officials said.
“The eWolf will provide services through its advanced vessel control technology and first-in-class energy features, while providing the safety, quality and reliability that Crowley and our mariners are known for,” James Fowler, senior vice president and general manager of Crowley Shipping, said. “We are thrilled to reach this important achievement for our company and the U.S. maritime industry through the collaboration with our partners.”
The tug was constructed by Master Boat Builders in Coden, Alabama and will generate 178 fewer tons of nitrogen oxide, 2.5 fewer tons of diesel particulate matter and 3,100 fewer metric tons of carbon dioxide over the first 10 years of operation, officials said. The reduction in emissions is the equivalent of removing 350,000 gallons of gas from use, the company said using EPA calculations. The boat uses ABB’s integrated electrical propulsion system.
“The eWolf demonstrates where the maritime industry can go, in terms of both innovation and sustainability, with solid partnerships between owners, designers, suppliers and shipyards,” Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders, said. “We are proud to have partnered with Crowley in the construction of the eWolf and look forward to seeing her at work in San Diego very soon.”
The tug will operate at the Port of San Diego once the microgrid shoreside charging station is complete, officials said.