Construction Kicks Off On Crowley’s All-Electric Tug

Alabama-based Master Boat Builders has kicked off construction on Crowley’s all-electric tug – a first in the United States.

The tug, named eWolf, will conduct ship assist and escort services at the Port of San Diego, California from mid-2023.

The 82-foot vessel will have 70 tons of bollard pull and feature an integrated all-electric propulsion system provided by ABB, featuring a 6.2 MWh of Corvus Orca Energy battery. The eTug’s battery system will be charged at a specially designed, shoreside station developed with Cochran Marine.

Construction is taking place at Master Boat Builders’ shipyard at Coden, Alabama.

“Initiating construction of the first-ever fully electric U.S. tugboat, the eWolf marks a historic moment for Crowley and Master Boat Builders,” said Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders. “Today is also a remarkable milestone for the entire U.S. maritime industry, as we work toward providing groundbreaking net zero-emission maritime capabilities”.

The eTug is being constructed under the design and on-site construction management of Crowley Engineering Services, the company’s naval architecture and marine engineering group.

“We are excited to begin construction of eWolf at Master Boat Builders on a vessel that will open a new chapter in sustainable maritime services in America’s harbors,” said Ray Martus, vice president, Crowley Engineering Services. “We look forward to working with the men and women of MBB to deliver a high-performance vessel that offers increased efficiency and safety for our mariners.”

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