Eco tug project

An agreement has been inked to to develop a new range of zero-emission and hybrid tugs.

Sanmar Shipyards and Corvus Energy have gone into partnership to develop hybrid tugs Photo: Sanmar Shipyard

Corvus Energy has entered into collaboration with Sanmar Shipyard as part of a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations. The agreement, signed during European Tug Owners Association Meeting held in Turku, will see the new tugs developed on a Robert Allan design.

“The tug and workboat market is an important market for Corvus Energy and a big part of our future growth strategy,” said Ronald Hansen, senior vice president ship solutions at Corvus Energy.

“Battery and fuel cell technology is especially advantageous for workboat and tugs as their operational profile is highly variable. This MoU with Sanmar, which is one of the world’s leading tugboat builders, will help accelerate the development and increase availability of more efficient zero- and low-emission tugs.

Energy supply

The MoU allows the two companies to jointly explore and establish a path for the future supply and integration of energy supply systems and fuel cell technology for an even wider range of innovative and cost-effective electric and hybrid tugs, which will be constructed at Sanmar Shipyards’ facilities in Turkey.

Corvus Energy will be responsible for battery and fuel cell technology, dimensioning and advice on battery room design, power system and fuel interfaces.

Ruchan Civgin, commercial director of Sanmar, said: “Sanmar as ever, is focused on moving forward with technology and especially with pioneering technologies that contribute significantly to our customers’ and society’s march towards a greener and sustainable future.”

“The MoU we have signed with Corvus Energy draws on both our considerable strengths as leaders, pioneers and innovators in our respective fields, to accelerate the path towards much needed, cost-effective and efficient future-ready battery and hybrid tugs.”

The full Cooperation Agreement looks set to be signed to coincide with the Tug Technology 2021 conference (25-26 October 2021) in London, UK.