Crowley Maritime has officially christened its pioneering electric harbor tug, the eWolf, in a ceremony held in San Diego. This advanced vessel, which will start commercial operations at the Port of San Diego this week, represents a significant leap in maritime technology.
“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,” said Tom Crowley, Chairman and CEO. He emphasized the collaborative effort that brought the eWolf to life, involving federal, state, and local partners, thereby setting a new global standard.
The eWolf boasts impressive capabilities, with its battery-electric drive generating 70 tons of bollard pull, surpassing the conventional tug it replaces. Its six-megawatt-hour battery can power the vessel for a full day. For additional reliability, it includes two backup generators. Under normal conditions, the eWolf operates with zero emissions, aligning with California’s stringent air quality standards and expected to cut NOx emissions by 178 tons and CO2 emissions by 3,100 metric tons over its first decade.
CARB board member Diane Takvorian highlighted the tug’s positive environmental impact on portside communities like Barrio Logan and National City, which experience high levels of diesel pollution.
Named in honor of Crowley’s first California tug, the Sea Wolf, the eWolf was constructed by Master Boat Builders in Alabama and outfitted with ABB’s integrated propulsion, electrical, and energy storage systems. The project, initiated in July 2021, saw the tug go through sea trials in December 2023 and delivery in January 2024. A dedicated microgrid recharging station has been built to maintain its batteries. The project benefited from the support of several agencies, including the local air quality district, CARB, the EPA, and the Maritime Administration.
