With near shore operations and access to recharge regularly in port, tugboats were among the first maritime vessels to adopt battery power, particularly for fully electric-powered operations. The world’s first fully electric tugboat was delivered in 2020, and in North America the first all-electric tugboats recently entered operations.
Advancing battery system technology and increasing shoreside infrastructure are making battery power an option for more vessel owners and operators, attracted by the operational cost savings and emissions reduction benefits of hybrid and electric propulsion.
This presentation will include:
- An overview of battery system technology developments and trends impacting tugboat electrification.
- Economic incentives for electrification, highlighting potential cost savings, operational enhancements, and long-term financial gains.
- Considerations for vessel owners and operators in adopting energy storage technology, including battery system sizing, capacity and serviceability, and design considerations for larger ports.
- Commentary regarding how sustainability objectives, regulatory frameworks, and the demand for shoreside charging infrastructure are influencing market trajectories.
- Real-world case studies of hybrid and fully electric tugboats in operation in North America and beyond
