Batteries selected for Svitzer's methanol-electric Scandinavian tug

Uzmar Shipyard is constructing a methanol-battery powered tugboat for Svitzer’s operations in the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden with one of the largest energy storage systems installed on a tug.

AYK Energy has been commissioned to manufacture and supply the 6-MWh battery module that will power the world’s first battery-methanol tug. This vessel will be built to a TRAnsverse tug design Svitzer developed with Robert Allan Ltd to support ship escort, handling and docking at the Swedish port.

The 806-gt escort-duty tug is expected to conduct more than 90% of its operations using its AYK battery-electric powertrain, while the dual-fuel methanol engines will be ready for back-up and range extension. It will be capable of achieving speeds of up to 14 knots.

“The launch of a first-of-its-kind newbuild project with our partners at Uzmar Shipyard is a significant milestone for our decarbonisation ambitions,” said Svitzer head of decarbonisation, Gareth Prowse.

“The battery-electric tug will mean we can deliver our services to customers in the Port of Gothenburg with significantly lower carbon emissions, and still to the highest operational and safety standards.”

AYK said it will manufacture the marine battery unit at its automated manufacturing plant in in Zhuhai, China, which opened in 2023 and has production capacity of 300 MWh.

“By integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, we are not just building a tug; we are helping to shape the future of green maritime operations,” said Uzmar president and chief executive Ahmet Noyan Altuğ.

AYK Energy founder Chris Kruger said the company is securing contracts to supply larger marine battery systems since opening the automated manufacturing plant.

“Battery solutions are constantly expanding, and can play a fundamental role in decarbonising the maritime industry,” he said. “Companies like Svitzer see it becoming an important power option in the sustainability transition. They see the combination of battery power and methanol engines as safe, efficient and reliable.”