By Mr. Lawren Best, Director of Design Development, Robert Allan Ltd.
Three years ago, the adoption of emissions reduction technology among tugs was minimal. In 2023, over 70 per cent of our new design projects now incorporate some level of emissions reductions. Regulatory requirements in regions like Canada, the US, and parts of Europe are driving the reduction of NOx emissions, mainly through exhaust aftertreatment. Forward-thinking operators outside these regulated areas are also embracing these crucial technologies.
While reducing NOx emissions is commendable and necessary, we must now shift our focus to decarbonization. The first battery electric tugs, exemplified by HaiSea Wamis, have already started operations, achieving the first zero-emission commercial ship docking in the Americas. This year, Vancouver will welcome five battery electric tugs, two of which will be SAAM battery electric tugs, and three HaiSea tugs. These electric vessels will leverage the environmental potential of regions with abundant green power, and battery electric speculation builds will make this technology accessible to operators worldwide on a de-risked basis.
Simultaneously, the world’s first new-build methanol dual-fuel tugs, the RAsalvor 4400-DFM escort tugs for KOTUG Canada, are demonstrating a feasible pathway to achieving net-zero carbon emissions for vessels engaged in high-power, long-endurance operations. Sanmar in Turkey, a pioneer in the battery electric tug revolution, will soon commence construction on these innovative vessels, set to safeguard the West Coast in 2025.
The design expertise and technology originating from British Columbia are driving a green wave, garnering attention from operators, ports, and regions worldwide. At the recent LNG 2023 conference in Vancouver, the arrival of HaiSea Wamis was celebrated and showcased to the global audience. Countries like India, the US, and various operators worldwide are now publicly committing to using tugs as a means to reduce emissions in the maritime sector.
The benefits extend beyond emissions reductions. Battery electric tugs offer enhanced maneuverability and operate nearly silently. This near-silent operation significantly improves crew habitability, while delivering substantial environmental benefits underwater. Recent underwater noise trials in Indian Arm with both diesel and battery electric tugs have provided data to calibrate a predictive tool developed by Robert Allan Ltd. This tool will inform government and port regulators about achievable noise reduction through use of battery electric tugs. We hope that, in the future, reductions in underwater noise will be encouraged, incentivized, or mandated in sensitive habitats, mirroring the progress in air emissions control.
However, challenges persist. There is a shortage of skilled mariners, and there’s a critical need to transfer knowledge from retiring masters and engineers to the next generation. Ship maintenance skills will also need to be updated, as troubleshooting on the next generation of battery electric tugs will differ significantly from caring for traditional diesel engines.
Globally, there is still much work to be done in reducing our environmental impact and empowering the next generation. However, the numerous positive responses from non-marine circles demonstrate that the efforts of B.C. companies are creating a ripple effect. We have progressed from merely discussing the problems to actively designing and implementing solutions.Top of Form
