Back in 2021, Crowley commissioned the construction of the first electric tugboat to assist ships in U.S. ports. Now, the company has taken delivery of the eWolf, which will begin operations at the Port of San Diego later this year.
Designed by Crowley engineers and built by MasterBoatBuilders at the Alabama Shipyard, the four-cabin ABS-class eWolf has an overall length of 82 feet (about 25 meters) and a width of 40 feet (12 meters). It is equipped with bow and stern electric winches and a bollard pulling force of 70 tons. Since there is no exhaust chimney, the driver has a 360-degree unobstructed view of the situation around the vessel.
Build specifications show the ship is equipped with a 6.2-megawatt-hour modular battery system that can be upgraded as new technologies are developed.
The battery pack powers the ABB propulsion system, which consists of two 2,100kW electric motors powering a pair of thrusters to reach a top speed of 12 knots, although the tug is also equipped with two small diesel generators for use in emergencies or when the batteries alone are unable to travel further distances.
The eWolf will enter service later this year in the Port of San Diego, where it will complete the installation of shoreside microgrid charging and storage stations. Crowley expects the eWolf to reduce approximately 178 tons of nitrogen oxides, 2.5 tons of diesel particulates and 3,100 tons of carbon dioxide over its first 10 years of operation compared to conventional tugs.
The eWolf will deliver services through its advanced ship control technology and best-in-class energy features while delivering the safety, quality and reliability that Crowley and our mariners are known for, said James Fowler, senior vice president and general manager of Crowley Shipping. "Working with our partners, we are pleased to achieve this important achievement for the company and the U.S. maritime industry."