America's First Electric Tugboat Is Ready for Operation

The eWolf tugboat is equipped with a 6.2 MWh modular battery system, has a pulling force of about 70 tons and can reach a maximum speed of 22 km/h.

The eWolf electric tug is expected to be operational at the Port of San Diego later this year. Photo: Crowley Maritime

In 2021, Crowley began building the eWolf, the first electric tugboat designed to help large ships dock in the United States. The company has now delivered the eWolf. The ship is expected to be ready for operation at the Port of San Diego by the end of the year, New Atlas reported on January 24.

The eWolf was designed by Crowley engineers, while Master Boat Builders built the boat at the company’s Alabama yard. The eWolf is about 80 feet long and 39 feet wide. It has electric winches fore and aft, with a bollard pull of about 70 tons. The eWolf has no exhaust pipes, giving the pilot an unobstructed 360-degree view around the boat.

The electric tug is equipped with a modular 6.2 MWh battery system that can be upgraded as technology advances. It is designed to make two port support trips on a single charge. The battery powers an ABB propulsion system consisting of two 2,100 kW motors, giving the tug a top speed of 22 km/h. The tug is also equipped with two small diesel generators for emergency use or to travel further than it could on battery power alone.

The eWolf is expected to enter service at the Port of San Diego later this year, once the installation of a charging station and shore-based energy storage is complete. Crowley expects the eWolf to reduce approximately 178 tons of nitrogen oxides, 2.5 tons of diesel particulates, and 3,100 tons of CO2 compared to conventional tugs over its first 10 years of operation.

"eWolf will provide services through advanced ship control technology and leading energy features, while bringing Crowley's safety, reliability and quality. We are pleased to achieve this important achievement with the company and the US maritime industry through the collaboration with our partners," said James Fowler, director of Crowley Shipping.

Thu Thao (According to New Atlas )

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