Master Boat Builders has launched a tugboat at its Coden, Alabama shipyard with hybrid propulsion for Seabulk
Spartan is scheduled to be delivered to reduce emissions from towage and port operations in January 2022.
This escort tug has been built to a Robert Allan Ltd design, ABS class and US Coast Guard regulations, with an overall length of 29.9 m, beam of 13.1 m and bollard pull of 90 tonnes from an integrated hybrid propulsion system provided by Thompson Tractor.
Two Caterpillar-built Cat 3512E main engines, each producing 1,900 kW of power and complying with US Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 emissions requirements are installed, as are three Caterpillar generators and two ABB propulsion motors and associated variable frequency drives. All this will drive two Berg MTA 628 azimuth thrusters.
“We are pleased to welcome the Spartan hybrid tugboat to our fleet,” said Seabulk chief executive Daniel Thorogood. “It represents both the excellent workmanship of Master Boat Builders and Seabulk’s steadfast commitment to improving the sustainability of its operations through technological advancement. Spartan is the first of two purpose-built, diesel-electric, hybrid vessels commissioned to reduce Seabulk’s future carbon emissions.”
Master Boat Builders president Garrett Rice was proud to “launch this technologically advanced hybrid tugboat” and to be building the second tug.
He said Spartan is “the latest in a series of innovative and alternative-powered workboats being constructed as the maritime industry continues to modernise its fleet.”
Mr Rice continued, “With a collaborative design, engineering, and building approach from the start, we were pleased to work with our partners to develop and build this new tugboat for Seabulk.”
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.