First All-Electric Tugboat In U.S. Coming To San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — What's billed as "the first all-electric, battery-powered harbor tug ever built and operated in the United States and only the third of its kind to enter operations worldwide" is coming to San Diego in mid-2023, a global technology company announced Thursday.

The company ABB will provide an integrated electric propulsion system and advanced control technology for the eWolf tug for Crowley Maritime Corporation, ARB said in a statement.

Alabama-based Master Boat Builders will assemble the 82-foot vessel that will tug ships in and out of the Port of San Diego.

"Tug operations can be demanding and often need to adapt to fast- changing load requirements," ABB said. "Batteries provide power to the propulsion system almost instantaneously, making ship-assist operations more efficient with no emissions while delivering reliable ship assist and harbor escort services."

The all-electric tug could eliminate the carbon dioxide pollution equivalent of more than 100 cars every year and at a lower cost than a conventional tug, ARB said.

— City News Service