Corvus Energy powers the first all-electric harbor tugboat in the US
Corvus Energy has supplied the battery system for the Crowley eWolf, the first all-electric marine-powered harbor tug in the United States.
The innovative eWolf tugboat, designed by Crowley and built by Master Boat Builders, will operate in the Port of San Diego, California. It features an integrated electric drive system from ABB with a Corvus battery system.
Involvement of Corvus Energy, enabling zero-emission operations
The eWolf is equipped with a Corvus Orca ESS, the most widely installed marine energy storage system, used on more than 700 ships worldwide. The eWolf’s 6.2 MWh Corvus Orca system allows it to operate at full capacity on a daily basis using only battery power. This results in zero fuel consumption and zero emissions, delivering significant environmental and fuel saving benefits.
Crowley predicts that the tug will generate “178 tons less nitrogen oxide (NOx), 2.5 tons less diesel particulate matter and 3,100 tons less carbon dioxide (CO2) during its first ten years of operation – the equivalent of removing 350,000 tons of gallons of gas from use, according to EPA calculations.”
“Corvus Energy is pleased to have contributed to this groundbreaking project for Crowley and the Port of San Diego by supplying the battery system, part of ABB’s integrated electric propulsion system onboard the eWolf,” said Corvus Energy SVP Americas, Tor-Gunnar Hovig.
Advanced battery system monitoring technology
To optimize battery performance, cloud-based technology continuously monitors the ESS and provides critical performance insights through the Corvus Energy Vessel Information Portal.
This online monitoring tool uses big data, machine learning and algorithms to support predictive maintenance, optimized system usage and proactive troubleshooting. The Corvus Orca ESS, combined with the Corvus monitoring system, has received Cyber Security Type Approval from the leading maritime classification society DNV.
Electric tugboats in the United States
Globally, tugboats were among the first ocean-going vessels to adopt battery technology due to their near-shore operations and ability to charge regularly.
In the United States, the Crowley eWolf and Port of San Diego are pioneers. Several other ports are seeking federal funding to invest in all-electric tugboats under the US Green Ports Program. With expected federal support and a focus on carbon reduction, the eWolf is expected to be the first of many electric tugboats in the US in the coming years.
As a leader in marine battery technology, Corvus systems are used in more than half of the world’s hybrid and fully electric marine vessels. With more battery-powered ships planned in the U.S., Hovig noted that “Corvus Energy is well positioned to provide support, offering proven technology, operational expertise and U.S.-based manufacturing capacity. Corvus has a manufacturing facility in the United States, located in Bellingham, Washington, that produces the Corvus Orca ESS and is fully Buy America and BABA compliant, a key qualification for US-funded initiatives.”
