Suderman & Young (S&Y), Houston, recently announced in a statement their selection as a sub-recipient of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program to construct a zero-emission, battery electric tug to be used in the Port of Corpus Christi. The Port is the collaborating entity. The statement noted their submitted tug plan with the grant application would be North America’s most powerful electric tugboat.
“This new tug design, with its power and design flexibility, will set the standard for sustainable and environmentally conscious harbor towing in North America,” said Captain Jay Rivera, Suderman & Young’s chief commercial officer. “Corpus Christi is the nation’s largest oil export port, and we are proud of Suderman & Young’s role in growing an industry that is vital to the Texas economy while reducing emissions and pollution. Design and construction planning for the new tug is in progress.”
The new 98'x44' tug has an expected bollard pull exceeding 100 metric tons. S&Y noted that the proposed e-tug will have the capability to assist the world’s largest tankers in navigating through the Port of Corpus Christi—all without emitting any carbon.
In addition to its performance, S&Y highlighted its plans to source the electric charge for the tugboat from renewable energy sources. The 8,500 kW battery capacity for the vessel is expected to perform three ship assist jobs before needing a recharge. S&Y expects the vessel’s recharge time to be under three hours.
WorkBoat reached out to S&Y for further specs on the vessel.
