Fuel flexibility is key for future tugboat propulsion

Caterpillar Marine global strategy manager for tugboats and inland waterway segments Andres Perez explains the options open to tug owners wishing to transition to green technologies and decarbonisation.

He described how combustion engine technology is developing to enable the use of alternative fuels at Riviera’s 27th International Tug & Salvage Convention, held 21 May, in Dubai, UAE.

Main propulsion engines and generator sets can already use biofuels, blends and gas-based fuels to reduce emissions and will soon be capable of combusting methanol.

“Bringing in fuel flexibility is key,” Mr Perez says in a video interview during the convention. This will enable tug owners to invest in assets for safe and reliable ship handling and towage.

This is particularly important for vessels operating in ports where alternative fuel availability is limited.

Mr Perez also sees a positive future for tug propulsion electrification, with batteries and electric motors supporting efficient engines and gensets.

The electric tugboats built to date have gensets on board for back-up power and to supplement batteries during long voyages between ports and to shipyards. Many of these gensets have been supplied by Caterpillar.