U.S. welcomes its 1st fully electric tugboat eWolf

Florida-based marine company Crowley has taken delivery of eWolf, the first all-electric, ship-assist harbor tugboat in the U.S.

Crafted under the expertise of Florida-based Crowley, the 82-foot (25-meter) eWolf is designed as a zero-emission vessel as it would operate fully electric.

eWolf has a 6-Mwh energy storage system with sufficient capacity enabling the vessel to deliver one full day of normal work without using a drop of fuel. 

“The eWolf will provide services through its advanced vessel control technology and first-in-class energy features, while providing the safety, quality and reliability that Crowley and our mariners are known for,” said James Fowler, senior vice president and general manager of Crowley Shipping.

“We are thrilled to reach this important achievement for our company and the U.S. maritime industry through the collaboration with our partners.”

The vessel was developed through collaboration with federal and California agencies, under the watchful eye of Crowley Engineering Services and the Jensen Maritime Naval Architecture and marine engineering group.

The tug, constructed by Master Boat Builders at its shipyard in Coden, Alabama, will generate 178 tons less of nitrogen oxide (NOx), 2.5 tons less of diesel particulate matter and 3,100 metric tons less of carbon dioxide (CO2) over the first 10 years of its operations – the equivalent of removing 350,000 gallons of gas from use, according to EPA calculations. The vessel uses ABB’s integrated electrical propulsion system and Schottel’s RudderPropellers type SRP 430 with the LE-Drive.

“The eWolf demonstrates where the maritime industry can go, in terms of both innovation and sustainability, with solid partnerships between owners, designers, suppliers and shipyards,” said Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders.

“We are proud to have partnered with Crowley in the construction of the eWolf and look forward to seeing her at work in San Diego very soon.”

After transport and final demonstration trials, the 82-foot harbor tug will operate at the Port of San Diego upon completion of Crowley’s microgrid shoreside charging station.

The charging station is a microgrid charging facility that will allow vessels to recharge quickly while reducing peak loads on the community energy grid. It is equipped with two containerized energy storage systems provided by Norway-based energy storage company Corvus Energy.

Harbor operations are expected to begin in the spring of 2024. The project partners include the Port, San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Maritime Administration.