Svitzer launches second phase of design project for methanol hybrid fuel cell tug

Svitzer, a number one world towage supplier and a part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, has launched the second part of its undertaking to design the world’s first methanol hybrid gasoline cell (MHFC) tug.

Svitzer has performed technical research to ascertain the feasibility of one of these vessel accommodating the real-world operational necessities of a tug. Work will now start between Svitzer and main naval architect firm, Robert Allan Ltd. to design the primary methanol hybrid gasoline cell (MHFC) tug. The following part will embrace work to finish the vessel design, scope concerns for vessel building, and onboard gear choice mandatory to construct the vessel.

The MHFC tug will use {an electrical} propulsion system with methanol gasoline cells and batteries delivering a self-sustained tug with longer endurance and fewer operational constraints than a purely battery-powered vessel.

Secondary methanol-fueled mills will present backup energy if required with out the necessity for a secondary gasoline. Calculations point out that the MHFC tug operating on inexperienced methanol would stop roughly 1,300 tonnes of CO₂ yearly from being emitted into the ambiance, in comparison with fossil-fuel-based vessels of the identical dimensions inside Svitzer’s world fleet.

The design of the MHFC tug will likely be a joint undertaking between Svitzer and Robert Allan Ltd. utilizing Svitzer’s TRAnsverse tug design because the platform. The TRAnsverse Tug is ready to generate increased steering forces than most designs of comparable dimensions and comes with an revolutionary staple design and distinctive skill to push, pull and maneuver in all instructions.

With omni-directional hull type and propulsion, steering forces over the complete vary of speeds & maneuvers, and a singular towing association, the compact and extra fuel-efficient TRAnsverse Tug is scalable and appropriate for all sorts of harbour and terminal towage operations.

In collaboration with Robert Allan, the primary typical Svitzer TRAnsverse Tug will likely be constructed for harbor towage in Svitzer Europe, with anticipated supply in Q3 2023.

Svitzer will look to forge partnerships with different corporations to finalize the collection of onboard gear for the MHFC tug, such because the batteries and gasoline cell system, and to help building as soon as the design part is full.

The MHFC is anticipated to enter operations within the second half of 2025 on the Port of Gothenburg in Sweden, the place methanol is the low-carbon different gasoline of alternative.