Svitzer Signs Contract With Uzmar To Build World's First Battery-Methanol Tug

Svitzer, a leading worldwide towage supplier, has signed a contract to develop the world’s first battery methanol tug.

The pioneering tug, constructed in partnership with the Turkish shipyard Uzmar, will use Svitzer’s revolutionary TRAnsverse design, which includes a 6MWh battery system and dual-fuel methanol engines.

The tug will completely transform port operations by using its battery-electric powertrain for more than 90% of its tasks, with methanol engines serving as a backup to extend its operational range.

The Port of Gothenburg’s commitment to sustainability and its existing shore power and methanol infrastructure is expected to handle up to 25% of Svitzer’s operations.

The new tug, designed in collaboration with naval architect Robert Allan Ltd, will be 34.9 meters long and have enough stability and capacity.

It will have a bollard pull of over 85 tonnes and use modern escort steering and braking systems rated at 150 and 200 tons, respectively, at 10 knots. The tug will have a gross tonnage of around 806 tons and a maximum speed of 14 knots, powered by a 6MWh battery.

Svitzer’s decision to combine battery power with methanol engines aligns with the latest developments in alternative power technology.

The tug’s operational capabilities have been designed to ensure safe and reliable performance, and they are supported by Gothenburg’s shore power and methanol bunkering infrastructure.

Svitzer’s CEO stated that this new technology is a major advancement in their overall decarbonization plan.

The Head of Decarbonisation at Svitzer said the deployment of this battery-electric tug is an important step forward in their environmental efforts, as it will considerably lower carbon emissions while maintaining high operational and safety requirements.

Uzmar’s CEO expressed pride in collaborating with Svitzer, stating that the project represents an important achievement in the maritime sector’s shift to greener operations. Uzmar’s commitment to integrating new technologies and sustainable practices will help shape the future of sustainable maritime services.

Reference: Svitzer

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