Crowley Maritime’s first all-electric ship assist harbor tug could be operating in San Diego as early as this spring.
Crowley announced Jan. 24 that it accepted delivery of eWolf, the electric tugboat designed by its engineering services team and built by Master Boat Builders at its Coden, Alabama shipyard.
The new 82-foot tug is expected to curb 178 tons of nitrogen oxide, 2.5 tons of diesel particulate matter and 3,100 metric tons of carbon dioxide in the first decade of operations, according to Crowley. According to Environmental Protection Agency calculations, that’s equal to eliminating the use of 350,000 gallons of gas.
“The eWolf will provide services through its advanced vessel control technology and first-in-class energy features, while providing the safety, quality and reliability that Crowley and our mariners are known for,” Crowley Shipping Senior Vice President and General Manager James Fowler said. “We are thrilled to reach this important achievement for our company and the U.S. maritime industry through the collaboration with our partners.”
The tug is expected to undergo transport and final demonstration trials before operating in the Port of San Diego, where Crowley’s microgrid shoreside charging station would be located.
“The eWolf demonstrates where the maritime industry can go, in terms of both innovation and sustainability, with solid partnerships between owners, designers, suppliers and shipyards,” Master Boat Builders President Garrett Rice said. “We are proud to have partnered with Crowley in the construction of the eWolf and look forward to seeing her at work in San Diego very soon.”
