July 12, 2024
Yesterday, Corvus Energy released a statement announcing its role in powering the Crowley eWolf, the first fully electric ship assist harbor tugboat in the United States.
The eWolf tugboat, designed by Crowley and constructed by Master Boat Builders, Coden, Ala., is set to operate in the Port of San Diego, Calif. The vessel uses an integrated electrical propulsion system from ABB, which features a Corvus battery system.
The eWolf is equipped with the marine energy storage system Corvus Orca ESS. The 6.2 MWh Corvus Orca system enables the tugboat to operate daily on battery power alone, resulting in zero emissions and significant fuel savings.
Crowley projects that the eWolf will ““generate 178 tons less of nitrogen oxide (NOx), 2.5 tons less of diesel particulate matter and 3,100 metric tons less of carbon dioxide (CO2) over the first 10 years of its operations – the equivalent of removing 350,000 gallons of gas from use, according to EPA calculations,” according to the company’s press release.
Tor-Gunnar Hovig, Corvus Energy SVP Americas, stated, “Corvus Energy is pleased to have contributed to this landmark project for Crowley and the Port of San Diego by supplying the battery system, part of the ABB integrated electric propulsion system onboard the eWolf.”
To ensure optimal battery performance throughout its lifespan, Corvus Energy employs advanced cloud-based technology to continuously monitor the ESS. This system provides performance insights via the Corvus Energy Vessel Information Portal. Utilizing big data, machine learning, and algorithms, this online monitoring tool supports predictive maintenance, optimizes system use, and enables proactive troubleshooting. The Corvus Orca ESS, used alongside this monitoring system, has received Cyber Security Type Approval from the maritime classification society DNV, ensuring a secure digital solution.
Globally, tugboats have been early adopters of battery technology due to their nearshore operations and frequent recharging opportunities. In the United States, the Crowley eWolf and the Port of San Diego are leading this transition. Many other ports are now seeking federal funding to invest in fully electric tugs under the U.S. Green Ports Program.
The Corvus Energy statement reiterated its leadership in marine battery technology, accounting for over half of the world’s hybrid and fully electric maritime vessels utilizing Corvus systems. As more battery-powered vessels are planned for the U.S., Hovig emphasized, “Corvus Energy is well positioned to support, by offering proven technology, operational expertise, and US-based manufacturing capacity. Corvus has a production facility in the United States, located in Bellingham, Washington, that produces the Corvus Orca ESS and is fully Buy America and BABA compliant, a key qualifier for U.S. federally funded initiatives.”
In May 2022, Corvus opened a new factory in the state of Washington. The U.S.-based manufacturing facility, with an annual capacity of 200 MWh of stored energy capacity, was built to support the demand for marine battery energy storage systems in the Americas as the marine industry accelerates its adoption of decarbonization technology to meet global GHG emissions reduction targets.