Kongsberg Maritime unveils electric towing winch at technology conference

Kongsberg Maritime has introduced a new electric towing winch for tugboats to reduce the risk of oil spills.

Its electric winches are powered by a frequency converter-driven electric motor, improving operational efficiency and reducing the environmental impact compared with traditional hydraulic systems.

Kongsberg launched its electric winches at Riviera’s TUGTECHNOLOGY ’25 Conference in Antwerp, Belgium, on 20 May.

The winch is engineered for high efficiency and low power consumption, making it an ideal solution for modern tug operations, said Kongsberg Maritime senior sales manager for tug systems, Mark Callaway.

Designed for harbour tugs, these electric winches provide a pulling force of up to 35 tonnes and brake holding loads for towing ropes. Frequency converter technology enables stepless speed control during rope handling and they can be supplied in single, double and split-drum configurations.

Electric winches incorporate an electric motor, induction-hardened gears and high-quality bearings for a durable drive line capable of withstanding harsh marine environments. Additional features include a mechanical spooling device for wire winch applications and a quick-release function under three seconds, compliant with rules set by the International Association of Classification Societies.

“The control system for the new winch will enable future upgrades on remote services," said Kongsberg Maritime vice president for merchant marine handling systems, Kimmo Haula. "With electric winches, tug operators can enhance performance, reduce environmental impact and lower operational costs.”

These winches could be monitored and controlled by user interfaces at local control stations and in the wheelhouse, where key operational data such as rope line tension, length, speed, and system alarms are displayed.

Kongsberg has combined winch controls with its Aquapilot thruster control system lever, enabling masters to manage winch and thruster operations simultaneously, improving situational awareness and control.