Svitzer moves ahead on methanol hybrid fuel cell tug
Written by Nick Blenkey
Methanol hybrid fuel cell tug will use Svitzer’s TRAnsverse tug design as the platform.
Following up on an initiative with Vancouver, B.C., based naval architect company Robert Allan Ltd. first announced in November 2021, the Maersk group’s towage company, Svitzer, has launched the second phase of its project to design the world’s first methanol hybrid fuel cell (MHFC) tug.
Following completion of a study of the feasibility of this type of vessel for the real-world operational requirements of a tug, Svitzer will work with Robert Allan Ltd. to develop the design of the MHFC tug.
The next phase will include work to complete the design and to scope considerations for vessel construction, and the onboard equipment selection necessary to build the vessel.
The MHFC tug will use an electrical propulsion system with methanol fuel cells and batteries to delivera self-sustained tug with longer endurance and fewer operational constraints than a purely battery-powered vessel. Secondary methanol fueled generators will provide backup power if required without the need for a secondary fuel.
Calculations indicate that the MHFC tug running on green methanol would prevent approximately 1,300 tonnes of CO2 annually from being emitted into the atmosphere, compared to fossil-fuel-based vessels of the same dimensions within Svitzer’s global fleet.
The design of the MHFC tug will be a joint project between Svitzer and Robert Allan Ltd. using Svitzer’s TRAnsverse tug design as the platform. Svitzer will look to partner with other companies to finalize the selection of onboard equipment, such as the batteries and fuel cell system, and to support construction once the design phase is complete.
“We’re excited to enter the next phase of delivering the world’s first methanol hybrid fuel cell tug,” said Gareth Prowse, head of decarbonization at Svitzer, “This project is a major milestone in Svitzer’s commitment to the decarbonization of our global fleet and demonstrates our ability to harness new technologies and alternative fuels to deliver innovations that will have a significant, positive impact on shipping’s road to net zero.”
“The combination of fuel cell technology and green methanol will result in improved operational efficiencies, resulting in less fuel consumption and lower emissions,” Prowse continued. “We’re delighted to be collaborating with Robert Allan Ltd. to design the MHFC tug and look forward to bringing on new partners to construct the vessel, which will operate at the Port of Gothenburg in Sweden.”
The MHFC is expected to enter operations in the second half of 2025 at the Port of Gothenburg, where methanol is the low-carbon alternative fuel of choice.
“The Port of Gothenburg has set ambitious targets to reduce shipping emissions within the port area by 70% by 2030,” said Port of Gothenburg CEO Göran Eriksson. “To deliver on that ambition, the transition of shipping lines from fossil fuels to more sustainable fuels such as green methanol is critically important. Svitzer’s decision to design and construct the world’s first methanol hybrid fuel cell tug is a major milestone which sets the example for the long-term decarbonization of global towage services. We’re excited to welcome this pioneering new vessel to the Port of Gothenburg when it enters into operation in 2025.”
Mathias Jonasson, managing director for Scandinavia & Germany at Svitzer, said: “Svitzer has been delivering safe and efficient towage services to customers in the Port of Gothenburg for decades. In addition to its ambitious emission reduction targets, the Port of Gothenburg has already gathered valuable experiences regarding the safe and convenient bunkering of methanol. The port’s experience and position as an emerging methanol bunkering hub, combined with our long-standing collaboration and relationship, makes the Port of Gothenburg an obvious location for us to deploy the world’s first methanol hybrid fuel cell tug.”
“Robert Allan Ltd. is excited to be working with Svitzer to develop the world’s first methanol hybrid fuel cell tug,” said Jim Hyslop, director, project development principle at Robert Allan Ltd. “Based on the award-winning TRAnsverse design, the innovative propulsion system on this new tug will enable operation completely free of fossil fuels. This is a major step forward in the path to decarbonizing the tug industry, and we are extremely proud to be at the forefront of developments in these new technologies.”
