Zoomi Life

The Carolyn Dorothy appeared in Long Beach, California on January 23 to report for work at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.  The tug was made by Foss Maritime in Seattle, WA.

This hybrid tug received the EPA’s Award of Excellence and was first detailed in 2007.  The boat is powered by two 670hp battery packs/motors and two 335hp diesel generators.  The combination gives the tug the same horsepower as its traditionally-powered counterparts.  The tug is based on Foss’s Dolphic-class series.

Emissions from the tug will be reduced from its Dolphin counterparts by 44% (PM and NOx) and will use less fuel to do so.  In standby (awaiting orders, coupling, etc.), the tug will be completely quiet, since the engines will not be running and only electric motors need be used for maneuvering in these instances.

Another feature of the hybrid design that Foss has made is the ability to take existing Foss Dolphins and retrofit them to become hybrids.  Compartmentalized/modular design elements also allow for upgrading of batteries, fuel and other changes as advancements become available.  This lengthens the lifespan of the vessel.  It’s also plug-in ready for recharge in port.

Awesome!  Not something you’d think about, these tugboats, but they are diesel users with few emissions restrictions, so any improvement is a good one!

Source: EcoGeek