Corvus Energy powers the first all-electric harbor tugboat in the US

Corvus Energy powers the first all-electric harbor tugboat in the US

by Clarence Oxford

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 11, 2024

Corvus Energy has supplied the battery system for the Crowley eWolf, the first fully electric ship assist harbor tugboat in the United States.

The innovative eWolf tug, designed by Crowley and built by Master Boat Builders, will operate in the Port of San Diego, California. It features an integrated electrical propulsion system from ABB that incorporates a Corvus battery system.

Corvus Energy involvement, powering zero-emission operations

The eWolf is equipped with a Corvus Orca ESS, the most widely installed marine energy storage system, used on over 700 vessels globally. The eWolf’s 6.2 MWh Corvus Orca system allows it to operate daily at full capacity using only battery power. This results in zero fuel use and zero emissions, offering significant environmental and fuel-saving benefits.

Crowley projects that the tug 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.”

“Corvus Energy is pleased to have contributed to this landmark project for Crowley and the Port of San Diego by supplying the battery system, part of the ABB 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 via the Corvus Energy Vessel Information Portal.

This online monitoring tool uses big data, machine learning, and algorithms to support predictive maintenance, optimized system use, and proactive troubleshooting. The Corvus Orca ESS, combined with the Corvus monitoring system, has received Cyber Security Type Approval from leading maritime classification society, DNV.

Electric Tugboats in the United States

Globally, tugboats were among the first maritime vessels to adopt battery technology due to their near-shore operations and ability to recharge 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 fully electric tugs under the “U.S. Green Ports Program.” With anticipated 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 over half of the hybrid and fully electric maritime vessels worldwide. With more battery-powered vessels planned in the US, Hovig noted that “Corvus Energy is well positioned to support, by offering proven technology, operational expertise, and US-based manufacturing capacity. Corvus has a production 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 qualifier for U.S. federally funded initiatives.”