Svitzer has contracted naval architects Robert Allan Ltd to design the industry’s first methanol-hybrid fuel cell (MHFC) tug based on Robert Allan’s TRAnsverse tug design
Svitzer, a subsidiary of AP Moller-Maersk, said it had conducted technical studies with real-world operation in mind to establish the feasibility of the tug’s design.
"Work will now begin between Svitzer and leading naval architect company, Robert Allan Ltd to design the world’s first MHFC tug. The next phase will include work to complete the vessel design, scope considerations for vessel construction, and select the onboard equipment necessary to build the vessel," the company said.
As envisioned, the MHFC tug will use an electrical propulsion system with methanol fuel cells and batteries. The setup promises greater endurance and fewer operational constraints than a purely battery-powered vessel. Secondary methanol-fuelled generators will provide backup power if required without the need for a secondary fuel.
"Calculations indicate the MHFC tug running on green methanol would prevent approximately 1,300 tonnes of CO2 annually from being emitted into the atmosphere, compared with fossil-fuel-based vessels of the same dimensions within Svitzer’s global fleet," Svitzer said.
While the Robert Allan TRAnsverse design forms the basis for the new tug, Svitzer said it will look to partnerships with other companies to finalise the selection of onboard equipment, such as the batteries and fuel-cell system, to support construction once the design phase is complete.
Svitzer head of decarbonisation Gareth Prowse said, “This project is a major milestone in Svitzer’s commitment to the decarbonisation of our global fleet and demonstrates our ability to harness new technologies and alternative fuels to deliver innovations that will have a significant, positive impact on shipping’s road to net zero.”
When the MHFC tug project was first announced in September 2021 after TUGTECHNOLOGY ’21, the plan was to have a newbuild tug with an escort notation and 80 tonnes of bollard pull, with hybrid-electrical propulsion using batteries and a fuel cell, ready for operation in Q1 2024.
The fuel cells would charge the batteries when the tug is mobilising and when berthed, minimising the need for shoreside charging facilities. They would also provide additional power for short periods of peak loads during towage.
“There is a future for batteries, but they do not provide enough power for all the operations we need,” said Mr Prowse. “We need range extenders to provide solutions and make sure we can use tugs in ports without available shore power.
“Fuel-cell technology is an attractive option here and we are continuing to evaluate this as an option. Hybrid systems like this will be crucial for us in the longer-term transition to electrification to complement battery technology, as shore power investment and availability increases across our port locations,” he adds.
Svitzer’s tugs do not remain in the same port all their life, as the owner transfers them between harbours, countries and regions during their operational time.
“We need flexibility in our fleet to maximise the asset lifetime, and avoid tugs being tethered to only ports with shore power,” explained Mr Prowse.
“It is encouraging to see ports are getting greater support and investment in shore power infrastructure, and green fuel bunkering options to support decarbonisation.”
Svitzer said it has had discussions with port authorities about how they can support decarbonisation journeys for their mutual benefit.
“This is something we will continue to focus on, placing the right tug, in the right port, with the right fuel,” says Mr Prowse.
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