Hybrid propulsion installed on world’s first methanol-fuelled escort tugs

“We are moving forward and implementing these newbuild green solutions to the Trans Mountain Expansion Project’s enhanced tug escort programme,” said Kotug Canada business development manager Laurens Korporaal.

“These tugs, propelled by modern climate-friendly Schottel propulsion systems, exhibit the aspirations of the British Columbia tug market to improve the environmental performance of shipping activity and advance new solutions to local and global environmental challenges.”

Propulsion has been designed for both transit efficiency and high bollard pull, with each tug having two SRP 710 azimuth drives and a Schottel transverse thruster of type STT 170.

“With this propulsion system, the vessels will achieve a free sailing speed of up to 14 knots and an impressive bollard pull of over 120 tonnes, making them the most powerful escort tugs in Canada,” said Schottel.

Schottel Sydrive-M will reduce fuel consumption and underwater-radiated noise, and lower engine operating hours and maintenance costs. In addition, hulls of both tugs are coated with a graphene paint to minimise biofouling and enhance the hull-smoothness of the vessels, which reduces underwater-radiant noise and makes the vessels more fuel efficient. 

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