US west coast ports move towards hybrid tugs

The order represents the first hybrid tug using proven Rolls-Royce hybrid technology, the first installation of a hybrid system for Nichols Brothers Boat Builders and the first hybrid tug designed by Jensen Maritime, Crowley Maritime Corp’s Seattle-based naval architecture and engineering firm.

“Baydelta Maritime is a long-standing customer for Rolls-Royce, but this order is of particular significance because it marks our first Rolls-Royce Hybrid System for a tug,” said Erik Larsen, Rolls-Royce, Vice President – Tug and Fish, Americas.

The tug will provide improved fuel efficiency and emissions. It shows this market, that the Rolls-Royce portfolio extends way beyond our US-type azimuth thrusters, the propulsion system of choice for this segment.”

Fuel efficiency

The 100-foot long tug will feature the same ship assist and tanker escort capabilities of existing Delta Class harbour tugs but with greatly improved towing performance.

The Rolls-Royce hybrid system enhances the vessel’s escort capability, enabling the tug to provide support for assisting the ultra-large containerships that operate from US West Coast ports.

Rolls-Royce will supply all electric motors, shaft generators and a power management and control system. The Hybrid arrangement provides power to US255 azimuth thrusters with ducted fixed pitch propellers that can be rotated 360 degrees around the vertical axis.

This arrangement optimises omni-directional thrust and manoeuvrability as well as providing improved crash stop capability.

The tug is planned for delivery in February 2019.