This week, Crowley joined partners and industry supporters to christen the 82'x40'x17'9" eWolf, America’s first all-electric ship assist harbor tugboat. Operating with zero emissions and other sustainable technology, the tug is designed to deliver the high-power capability, safety, and efficiency that Crowley has made its reputation, the company noted in a press release.
“The eWolf is a historic milestone in the maritime industry and Crowley’s legacy, and underscores our company’s commitment to serve as global sustainability leaders and innovators," said Crowley's chairman and CEO Tom Crowley in his remarks. "The all-electric tugboat is the most technologically advanced vessel of its kind, and eWolf will help our customers and communities reach their decarbonization goals while delivering capabilities that strengthen our vital supply chain."
Crowley vice chairwoman Christine Crowley served as the sponsor to give the blessing and conduct the christening on San Diego Bay. The eTug will enter commercial service this week.
“Crowley’s first-of-its-kind electric tugboat is a game changer. It checks all the boxes by providing environmental, economic, and operational benefits for our communities and maritime industry,” said Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego chairman. “This is truly a story of teamwork and collaboration. We are proud to work with Crowley and our state and local partners on this and other electrification initiatives at and around our port, including electric cargo handling equipment like our all-electric mobile harbor cranes, our microgrid, vessel shore power, and more.”
Built by Master Boat Builders, Coden, Ala., the vessel delivers 70 tons of bollard pull — stronger than its conventional predecessor. The eTug also features a fully integrated electrical package for battery energy storage by ABB with advanced technology for mariner safety. eWolf is supported by a new microgrid shoreside charging station that enables the tug to operate at full performance daily on electricity.
Crowley was joined at the vessel christening by project partners, including the Port of San Diego, San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the U.S. EPA, and the U.S. Maritime Administration (Marad).
“CARB is proud to partner on this historic effort that will reduce air and climate pollution. Impacted Portside communities, like Barrio Logan and National City, breathe more diesel pollution than 90% of California communities and children experience up to five times more asthma hospitalizations,” said Diane Takvorian, CARB board member. “The eWolf will contribute significantly to creating a healthy environment for all communities.”
“SDAPCD is proud to have provided funding for the eWolf project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transitioning from traditional diesel-powered vessels to electric propulsion systems,” said Jack Shu, City of La Mesa councilmember and SDAPCD governing board chair. “The eWolf exemplifies how collaboration between government and private partners can drive meaningful change, contributing significantly to a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.”
Crowley chose eWolf’s name in a nod to a tugboat in the company’s initial fleet, the Sea Wolf, which operated more than a century ago in California.
