Nor-Shipping: Med Marine, Caterpillar combine for first battery-hybrid tug newbuild

Caterpillar’s LFP battery packs are equipped with an intelligent battery management system (BMS) to ensure optimal temperature, voltage, and current control, while minimising maintenance and maximising safety and efficiency throughout the vessel’s lifecycle.

Med Marine intends to build its first VoltRA tugboat for launch in 2026 to pave the way for a family of these battery electric tugs.

Robert Allan and Med Marine have developed five distinct models, offering bollard pulls ranging from 40-90 tonnes for harbour operations and large-scale terminal support for ship handling and docking.

The VoltRA tugs will carry notations for ship escorting and low emissions.

“VoltRA represents more than a technical achievement, it is a clear statement about the direction our industry must take,” said Med Marine general manager Yildiz Bozkurt Ozcan.

“As ports around the world prepare for a carbon-neutral future, Med Marine can lead this transformation by investing in smart, efficient and environmentally responsible solutions.”

Borusan Cat has a long-term relationship with Med Marine, providing propulsion and energy solutions for harbour tugs built at the Eregli Shipyard.

“Collaborating with Med Marine on this important project, now also featuring our new Cat battery systems, will mark a new milestone in our partnership,” said Borusan Cat marine director Ilker Ozgur Dogruoz. “This project will serve as a model for many others around the world.”

Riviera’s Maritime Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cells Conference & Exhibition returns to Bergen on 14-16 October 2025! Use this link to get more information and tickets to this international event.