US-owned maritime, energy and logistics solutions company Crowley on Wednesday (26 June) said it christened the eWolf, America’s first all-electric ship assist harbor tugboat.
Built by Master Boat Builders in Coden, Ala., the 82-foot vessel delivers 70 tonnes of bollard pull – stronger than its conventional predecessor.
The eTug also features a fully integrated electrical package for battery energy storage by ABB with advanced technology for mariner safety. The eTug will enter commercial service this week.
“The eWolf is a historic milestone in the maritime industry and Crowley’s legacy, and underscores our company’s commitment to serve as global sustainability leaders and innovators,” said Tom Crowley, Chairman and CEO.
“The all-electric tugboat is the most technologically advanced vessel of its kind, and eWolf will help our customers and communities reach their decarbonisation goals while delivering capabilities that strengthen our vital supply chain.”
“We congratulate the people whose tireless dedication brought the eWolf to fruition with our partners at the federal, state and local government, setting a new standard not just in America, but globally.”
“Crowley’s first-of-its-kind electric tugboat is a game changer. It checks all the boxes by providing environmental, economic, and operational benefits for our communities and maritime industry,” said Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Chairman.
“This is truly a story of teamwork and collaboration. We are proud to work with Crowley and our state and local partners on this and other electrification initiatives at and around our port, including electric cargo handling equipment like our all-electric mobile harbor cranes, our microgrid, vessel shore power, and more.”
eWolf is supported by a new microgrid shoreside charging station that enables the tug to operate at full performance daily on electricity.
Crowley was joined at the vessel christening by project partners including the Port of San Diego, San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Maritime Administration. The collaborative effort among federal, state and local partners to decarbonise the port furthers the shared goal of improving air quality for San Diego.
“SDAPCD is proud to have provided funding for the eWolf project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transitioning from traditional diesel-powered vessels to electric propulsion systems,” said Shu, City of La Mesa Councilmember and SDAPCD Governing Board Chair.
“The eWolf exemplifies how collaboration between government and private partners can drive meaningful change, contributing significantly to a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.”
The company chose eWolf’s name in a nod to a tugboat in the company’s initial fleet, the Sea Wolf, which operated more than a century ago in California.
Photo credit: Crowley
Published: 27 June, 2024
