Crowley Maritime has expanded its fleet in the US with a new escort tug with more than 90 tonnes of bollard pull
The Seattle-headquartered towage and logistics group has added low-emissions and ship-assistance tugboat Apollo to its fleet to help reduce congestion in California ports.
This 23.7-m tug was built by Diversified Marine Inc in Portland, Oregon to a Robert Allen design. With 94 tonnes of bollard pull, it will be used to escort ultra-large container ships into western US ports. A pair of Caterpillar 3516 main engines provide power, engineered to comply with US Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 emissions requirements and California’s environmental regulations.
Crowley said it will be deployed soon to serve ships docking in San Francisco Bay.
Apollo exceeds environmental requirements for operating in this sensitive area as it has the latest emissions reduction technologies. In addition, Crowley will operate Apollo on biofuel improving the vessel’s fuel efficiency and lowering its carbon footprint.
“With all the congestion in the ports of California, performance is a number one concern for customers,” said Crowley vice president Paul Manzi.
“Our newest tug will continue to make harbour escort and ship assist efficient for ship operators while meeting and exceeding current demands for sustainability,” he said. “Manoeuvrability improves safety and allows for more efficient service.”
Crowley is working with Shell Trading on supplying biofuels for harbour and escort tugs in California. Mr Manzi said Apollo’s introduction will send an environmental message to the US tugboat and port operations sector.
“With Apollo, we have a rare mix of high performance with an efficient design and lower carbon footprint,” he said. “It is leading the way in California and showing the industry what’s possible in light of the sustainability push that is taking place,” Mr Manzi added.
In April, Shell started supplying biofuel to power Crowley’s tugboat Veteran while it assists ships in the Bay of San Francisco.
Riviera Maritime Media’s Maritime Air Pollution Virtual Forum is being held 30 June 2021 – use this link for more details and to register
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.