Electric propulsion conversion gains US approval

Funding is available to help owners convert propulsion of their assets into electric-powered systems to cut emissions after a conversion kit was approved by a US-backed incentive programme.

Tugs, offshore support vessels and harbour craft could be converted from diesel to electric using funds from the Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) and be assured these vessels can operate in the state with the most stringent emissions standards.

This electric propulsion conversion kit has also been approved by the California Air & Resources Board (CARB) for use in the US West Coast state.

Twin Disc and its distribution partner, Palmer Johnson Power Systems, secured approval for its electric-propulsion system conversion kit from CARB and CORE.

Twin Disc global product manager Klaus Meyersiecksaid this will “contribute to California’s environmental initiatives and support the maritime industry’s shift toward sustainable practices.”

Vessel owners can remove a main diesel engine to use a configurable power-dense energy storage system instead to provide power to propulsion, minimising fuel and maintenance costs, and emissions. Financial incentives are available through the CORE programme to support these capital investments.

Mr Meyersieck said approval from CARB validated this technology. “Our electric-propulsion system conversion kit exceeds the stringent requirements set forth by the CORE programme,” he said.

“We are one of only three manufacturers with CARB’s approval in the commercial harbour-craft category.”