Page 45: of Marine News Magazine (November 2024)

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Vessels for hybrid and zero-emission vessels. sions,” Manzi said, noting that in nology advances. Currently, eWolf’s “The ? rst is our Onboard DC Grid 10 years’ time, Crowley expects the systems do not include autonomous architecture. All the power sources eWolf will have saved 178 tons of ni- functions, but it is equipped with tech- integrate into the Onboard DC Grid, trogen oxides, 2.5 tons of diesel par- nology that allows for future autono- which distributes them to all the con- ticulate matter and 3,100 metric tons mous operations. This includes sensors sumers throughout the vessel,” he of carbon. and cameras that enhance situational said. “Our DC grid is a closed-bus Captain Josh Ferguson, who now awareness and facilitate safe navigation.

con? guration because it allows for commands eWolf, noted the differ- As Crowley and ABB develop the more operational redundancy and ences in operating an electric tug com- eWolf further, they aim to navigate safety for the vessel. pared to traditional vessels, particu- the regulatory landscape to integrate “The architecture that layers on larly the absence of engine noise and higher levels of autonomy while en- top of that is the automation system, vibration, leading to a smoother expe- suring crew safety. This project not our Power and Energy Management rience. The tug can perform tasks with only sets a precedent for electric tugs

System (PEMS). It basically controls a bollard pull capability of 70 tons, but also positions Crowley at the fore- the ? ow of all the power feeding into operating on a three-person crew. front of maritime innovation, paving the DC grid, and then also all the Looking ahead, Crowley envisions the way for a more sustainable future power that’s swung to all the con- evolving roles for crew members as tech- in marine operations.

sumers,” Strupp said.

The project proved to be a valuable learning experience for all involved, emphasizing the need for early collab- oration among design, engineering, and construction teams.

The eWolf represents a signi? cant ? - nancial investment for Crowley, report- edly costing double that of a conven- tional tugboat. Funding for the project included substantial grants from sev- eral organizations, including the San

Diego County Air Pollution Control

District and the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency, aimed at support- ing cleaner maritime operations.

“This tug becomes somewhat com- mercially viable because of the grant process,” Manzi said. “Unlike a ferry service that’s paid for by tax dollars, we have to collect fares and tariffs from the shipowners. Right now, the technology is out over market. So, we’re working to true that up.” “The big driver [to produce the eWolf] was the reduction in emis- www.marinelink.com MN 45|