Towage and marine answer providers agency Svitzer on Thursday launched the second part of its mission to design the world’s first methanol hybrid gasoline cell (MHFC) tug.
Svitzer, a part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, has carried out technical research to determine the feasibility of such a vessel accommodating the real-world operational necessities of a tug.
Work will now start between Svitzer and naval architect firm Robert Allan Ltd. to design the world’s first MHFC tug.
The subsequent part will embrace work to finish the vessel design, scope concerns for vessel building, and onboard tools choice needed 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, Svitzer mentioned.
According to Svitzer, secondary methanol fueled turbines will present backup energy if required with out the necessity for a secondary gasoline.
“Calculations indicate that the MHFC tug running on green methanol would prevent approximately 1,300 tonnes of CO2 annually from being emitted into the atmosphere, compared to fossil-fuel-based vessels of the same dimensions within Svitzer’s global fleet,” Svitzer added.
The design of the MHFC tug will probably be a joint mission between Svitzer and Robert Allan Ltd. utilizing Svitzer’s TRAnsverse tug design as the idea for the mission. Svitzer will look to forge partnerships with different firms to finalize the number of onboard tools, such because the batteries and gasoline cell system, and to assist building as soon as the design part is full.
Gareth Prowse, head of decarbonization at Svitzer, mentioned, “We’re excited to enter the next phase of delivering the world’s first methanol hybrid fuel cell tug. This project is a major milestone in Svitzer’s commitment to the decarbonization of our global fleet and demonstrates our ability to harness new technologies and alternative fuels to deliver innovations that will have a significant, positive impact on shipping’s road to net zero.”
“The combination of fuel cell technology and green methanol will result in improved operational efficiencies, resulting in less fuel consumption and lower emissions. We’re delighted to be collaborating with Robert Allan Ltd. to design the MHFC tug and look forward to bringing on new partners to construct the vessel which will operate at the Port of Gothenburg in Sweden.”
The MHFC is predicted to enter operations within the second half of 2025 on the Port of Gothenburg in Sweden, the place methanol is the low-carbon various gasoline of selection.
Göran Eriksson, Port of Gothenburg CEO, mentioned, “The Port of Gothenburg has set ambitious targets to reduce shipping emissions within the port area by 70% by 2030. To deliver on that ambition, the transition of shipping lines from fossil fuels to more sustainable fuels such as green methanol is critically important. Svitzer’s decision to design and construct the world’s first methanol hybrid fuel cell tug is a major milestone which sets the example for the long-term decarbonization of global towage services. We’re excited to welcome this pioneering new vessel to the Port of Gothenburg when it enters into operation in 2025.”
