A new model of E-tugs (electric tugboats) to enter the market in bid to be IMO 2030 and 2050 compliant
A new generation of E-tugs (electric tugboats) / battery-powered tugboats will be developed by SeaTech Solutions, and launched by multinational offshore vessel operator Vallianz Holdings in Indonesia. Fundamental specifications include a length of 26m, azimuthing drives-equipped with a bollard pull of 60 tonnes, plus a speed at 12 knots. It will be fitted with high-capacity electric battery modules to provide enough power and capacity for ship assist work.
Clean energy-powered configuration
In conjunction with IMO’s GHG strategy to reduce CO2 emissions at minimum of 40 per cent by 2030 and 50 per cent by 2050, SeaTech has developed its “EVT-60” design with a brand-new battery-powered concept. This configuration aims to achieve zero carbon emission. Vallianz Holdings will be marketing the completed electric tug in Batam to prospective shipowners.
Govinder Chopra, the director of SeaTech, said: “Technology for electric vessels is available, and the real challenge is to develop a cost-effective total logistics solution. We target a capex increase of only 20 per cent with lower life cycle costs for this electric tug. The electric tug lends itself to digitalisation and future autonomous operations.”
Electric tugboats are not new in maritime. The world’s first electric tugboat was developed by Turkish company Navtek Naval Technologies last April. Called the ZEETUG, the battery is expected to save 210 tonnes of CO2 emissions and nine tonnes of NOx emissions in a year.
Sources:
Maritime Executive