First fully electric tugboat in U.S. delivered to Crowley

The eWolf, the first all-electric tug in the U.S., has been delivered to Crowley. (Credit: Crowley)

Crowley has accepted delivery of eWolf, the first all-electric, ship assist harbor tugboat in the U.S., a milestone advancing the company’s commitment to sustainability and decarbonization. The tugboat, which was designed by Crowley’s engineering services team, will operate with zero emissions while providing the complete performance capabilities of a traditional tug. 

The eWolf represents a historic innovation through a collaboration among Crowley, federal, state and local government partners. Their mutual commitment to improve air quality through battery energy for the vessel and port technology, including a shoreside, microgrid charging and storage station at the Port of San Diego.

“The eWolf will provide services through its advanced vessel control technology and first-in-class energy features, while providing the safety, quality and reliability that Crowley and our mariners are known for,” said James Fowler, senior vice president and general manager of Crowley Shipping. “We are thrilled to reach this important achievement for our company and the U.S. maritime industry through the collaboration with our partners.”

The tug, constructed by Master Boat Builders at its shipyard in Coden, Ala., will generate 178 tons less of nitrogen oxide (NOx), 2.5 tons less of diesel particulate matter and 3,100 metric tons less of carbon dioxide (CO2) over the first 10 years of its operations – the equivalent of removing 350,000 gallons of gas from use, according to EPA calculations. The vessel uses ABB’s innovative, integrated electrical propulsion system.

“The eWolf demonstrates where the maritime industry can go, in terms of both innovation and sustainability, with solid partnerships between owners, designers, suppliers and shipyards,” said Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders. “We are proud to have partnered with Crowley in the construction of the eWolf and look forward to seeing her at work in San Diego very soon.”

After transport and final demonstration trials, the 82-foot harbor tug will operate at the Port of San Diego upon completion of Crowley’s microgrid shoreside charging station.

Crowley and the Port of San Diego broke ground for the shoreside charging station that will provide clean energy for eWolf back in 2023. The eWolf charging station will allow vessels to recharge quickly while reducing peak loads on the community energy grid. It is equipped with two containerized energy storage systems provided by Corvus Energy.

The station is designed to operate on off-peak hours from the community’s energy grid, and it includes a solar power array to support renewable energy use. The technology is also designed to support other electric equipment and vehicle operations, if needed.

Each energy container will house battery modules with storage capacity of almost 1.5 MWh, for a total capacity of 2,990 kW. The station will be equipped with battery monitoring system, HVAC and firefighting and detection technology.

Harbor operations are expected to begin in spring 2024. The project partners include the port, San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Maritime Administration.