First All-Electric Ship Assist Tugboat in the U.S. Christened

The first all-electric ship assist tugboat in the U.S. - the eWolf - has been christened by Crowley at the Port of San Diego. 

Designed by Crowley’s engineering services team and built by Master Boat Builders Inc, the 82 foot eWolf is capable of delivering 70 tons of bollard pull - making it stronger than its conventionally-powered predecessor. 

Design and construction of the eWolf also saw the input of global electrical equipment manufacturer ABB. The company provided a fully integrated electrical package for battery energy storage. The vessel is also designed to operate in conjunction with a new microgrid shoreside charging station - this will enable the eWolf to operate at full performance daily on electricity alone. 

Commenting on the christening of the innovative new vessel, Tom Crowley, Chairman and CEO of Crowley, said: 

“The eWolf is a historic milestone in the maritime industry and Crowley’s legacy, and underscores our company’s commitment to serve as global sustainability leaders and innovators. 

The all-electric tugboat is the most technologically advanced vessel of its kind, and eWolf will help our customers and communities reach their decarbonisation goals while delivering capabilities that strengthen our vital supply chain.

We congratulate the people whose tireless dedication brought the eWolf to fruition with our partners at the federal, state and local government level, setting a new standard not just in America, but globally”.

In addition to representatives from the Port of San Diego, the christening ceremony was notable for the number of environmental groups in attendance. These included the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Diane Takvorian, a CARB board member, commented on the christening of the eWolf, saying: 

“CARB is proud to partner on this historic effort that will reduce air and climate pollution. Impacted Portside communities, like Barrio Logan and National City, breathe more diesel pollution than 90% of California communities and children experience up to five times more asthma hospitalisations.

The eWolf will contribute significantly to creating a healthy environment for all communities”.

The eWolf is one of a number of initiatives that Crowley has undertaken in recent years. The company has made several strategic investments and partnerships, including investing in a floating dry dock developer, and the formation of a joint partnership in an offshore wind venture.

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