The design of the first fully electric U.S. tugboat with autonomous technology has been completed by Crowley Engineering Services. The vessel design leverages a large electric battery system and power-saving technology to operate in a fully electric mode while producing zero air emissions or greenhouse gases.

The 82 ft tug will provide 70 short tons of bollard pull, featuring an Azimuthing drive propulsion system Source: Crowley Engineering Services with two 1,800 kW motors and a 6 MWh battery. The platform design can be adjusted for alternate power capacities suitable for a standard hybrid framework if desired and fully modular batteries allow for upgrades as electric technology evolves.

With no exhaust stack, the tug has 360° of visibility from the pilot’s station, allowing the operator to see without obstruction. The electric tug has also been designed for future autonomous operation to increase the safety and efficiency of the operation including integrated automation and control systems. The intelligent maneuvering and control system offers more efficient vessel operations and allows masters to focus holistically on the overall control and positioning of the vessel in increasingly busy harbors.

An onshore charging station has also been developed to fully support charging and reliable performance at the home port.