Looking to get its first hybrid tug design into the construction phase, Baydelta Maritime has turned to Seattle-based Jensen Maritime to design a 100-foot, Z-Drive hybrid tugboat, which will use Rolls-Royce hybrid technology.
The tug is intended to assist in the same manner as existing ship and tanker escorts, but with multiple operational modes at its disposal. It will be able to switch between direct-diesel, diesel-electric or fully electric while assisting the large container ships and tankers operating in U.S. West Coast ports–an advantage of the Rolls-Royce hybrid system. It also allows for loitering and transit of up to 7-8 knots in electric-only, then a bollard pull of 9 short tons in combined diesel-electric mode. Crowley Maritime Corp., the parent company of Jensen Maritime, reports that this will both save fuel and reduce emissions.
“Jensen is proud to have been chosen as the design firm on this project, and we look forward to seeing the vessel through from concept to completion,” Bryan Nichols, director of business development at Jensen Maritime, said. “We are pleased to be working with long-standing partners Baydelta and Nichols Brothers on this historic build. Our work reflects our commitment to innovative, environmentally friendly design combined with powerful, high-quality performance. This tug will meet the industry’s demand for strong, yet nimble vessels with the quality design that customers expect from Jensen.”
These tugs will be powered by twin diesel engines and two of the Rolls-Royce supplied electric motors. The Z-drive system involved in the tugs can accept power from either or both units. The tugs will also have eight berths and include an electric hawser winch and a single drum tow winch. They will be able to carry up to 71,000 gallons of fuel and 4,300 gallons of fresh water.