Electrifying the short haul
For shorter routes, particularly ferries, tugboats or other vessels operating within harbors and inland waterways, complete electrification is a viable solution. All-electric ferries and tugs, powered by battery packs and charged at terminals, are already operating in various parts of the world.
These vessels operate with zero emissions while making the ride more comfortable for both passengers and crew with quieter operation, lower vibrations and no exhaust.
ABB delivered an integrated electric propulsion system and advanced vessel control technology for the US’s first all-electric, battery-powered harbor tugboat, the Crowley eWolf, built for sustainable and safe operations at the Port of San Diego.
In its first 10 years of operation, eWolf is expected to eliminate 170 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx), two tons of diesel particulate matter, and 3,100 tons of CO2 compared with a conventional tug. It will be supplied with power by a shoreside microgrid charging station.