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Svitzer adds electric low-noise tug to Sound towage
A newbuild electric-powered tug will be operated with low emissions and noise by Svitzer in the Sound between Denmark and Sweden
Svitzer named its first electric-powered tugboat Svitzer Ingrid in a ceremony in the Port of Copenhagen before it begins operations in the Sound between Denmark and Sweden.
The Danish owner, part of the AP Moller-Maersk family, expects this 25-m tugboat to complete around 90% of its operational tasks using electric power sourced from batteries charged using the renewable energy supply at the Port of Helsingborg.
Its battery-electric propulsion reduces exhaust emissions and noise levels for crew, and underwater sound during operations.
Svitzer said this tug will cut annual CO2 emissions by 600-900 tonnes compared with existing tugs operating in the Sound.
Svitzer Ingrid was named by Denmark’s Queen Mary at the ceremony attended by more than 100 maritime executives involved in its design, construction and operations.
At the event, Svitzer chief executive Kasper Friis Nilaus said this new tug was “a sign of Svitzer’s continued leadership in maritime decarbonisation and representative of the company’s ability to partner with ports to deliver green solutions.”
He confirmed Svitzer would take further steps in its decarbonisation strategy by using biofuels, low-carbon fuels, efficient tug designs and electric power.
“We can take significant steps to lessen our environmental impact while ensuring that trade and people remain connected,” said Mr Nilaus. "We have an ambition to become climate neutral by 2040, so today marks an important milestone for us. The electrification of our vessels is a key part of achieving this target."
Svitzer Ingrid was built by Sanmar Shipyards to Robert Allan Ltd’s ElectRA 2500SX design with a 13-m beam and a draught of 5 m.
It has a battery capacity of 1,808 kWh from Corvus Energy, backed up by generators to drive two Schottel azimuth thrusters, to achieve a bollard pull of 70 tonnes. It also has a FiFi1 fire-fighting capability supplied by Fire Fighting Systems and bridge systems including radar, mostly provided by Furuno.
Svitzer is seeking more battery-powered tugs. A second electric tugboat has been ordered for delivery in 2026, and the Danish owner is also in the market for an additional four electric tugboats. Since 2016, Svitzer has operated four hybrid tugs in Australia.
“We would like to make a larger share of our fleet battery powered, but this depends on ports having the necessary charging infrastructure. We are not there yet, although we see positive progress,” added Mr Nilaus.
“Ultimately, ports will need charging infrastructure similar to that for cars. Shipping companies cannot achieve this on their own," he said. "We must work together across our industry, with policymakers and local communities, to develop viable green solutions.”
Svitzer Ingrid is part of an ElectRA series of battery-electric tugs Sanmar is building for several owners and its own fleet. These are being built ranging from 19 m to 28 m long, with power outputs ranging from 40 to 85 tonnes of bollard pull. Sanmar has completed nine electric tugboats to date, with six more currently under construction.
Svitzer became independent from AP Moller-Maersk in 2024, after 45 years of being part of that family, before being acquired by AP Moller Holding in May 2025.
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