Crowley christens first fully electric tugboat in the USA
Crowley has held a christening ceremony for what it states to be America’s first all-electric ship assist harbor tugboat, the eWolf. The eTug will enter commercial service this week.
All-electric tugboat
A longtime leader in safe and efficient marine services, 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.
Built by Master Boat Builders in Coden, Alabama, the 82ft vessel delivers 70 tons 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. eWolf is supported by a new microgrid shoreside charging station that enables the tug to operate at full performance daily on electricity.
Sustainable collaboration
The collaborative effort among federal, state and local partners to decarbonize the port furthers the shared goal of improving air quality for San Diego.
“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. The all-electric tugboat is the most technologically advanced vessel of its kind, and eWolf will help our customers and communities reach their decarbonization goals while delivering capabilities that strengthen our vital supply chain,” said Tom Crowley, chairman and CEO of Crowley.
“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, chairman of the Port of San Diego.
“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.”
“CARB is proud to partner on this historic effort that will reduce air and climate pollution. Impacted portside communities, like Barrio Logan and National City, breathe more diesel pollution than 90% of California communities and children experience up to 5 times more asthma hospitalizations,” said Diane Takvorian, board member of California Air Resources Board (CARB). “The eWolf will contribute significantly to creating a healthy environment for all communities.”
“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 Jack Shu, City of La Mesa Council member and San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (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.”
In related news, SSA Marine recently put into service the first of six pieces of zero-emission cargo handling equipment that the company will introduce at the Port of San Diego’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal over the next 12 to 18 months. Click here to read the full story.
