Crowley, a US maritime, energy, and logistics solutions company, has successfully christened America's first all-electric ship assist harbor tugboat at the Port of San Diego to strengthen the supply chain and support the maritime industry's decarbonization efforts.
Built in Alabama by Master Boat Builders, the eWolf electric tugboat was designed by Crowley to operate with zero emissions while being able to deliver 70 tons of bollard pull. The tugboat is also intended to complete two ship assist jobs in the harbor with minimal to no charging required.
The tugboat will be supported by a new microgrid shoreside charging station that will provide for the tugboat's daily electricity needs.
“Crowley’s first-of-its-kind electric tugboat is a game changer. It checks all the boxes by providing environmental, economic, and operational benefits for our communities and maritime industry,” said Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Chairman. “This is truly a story of teamwork and collaboration. We are proud to work with Crowley and our state and local partners on this and other electrification initiatives at and around our port."
This project will also benefit Crowley's federal, state, and local project partners, who are collaborating to decarbonize the port and significantly improve air quality for San Diego. Project partners include:
- The Port of San Diego
- The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District
- The California Air Resources Board
- The US Environmental Protection Agency
- The US Maritime Administration
Crowley will officially place the electric tugboat into service by the end of June 2024.
