SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Joined by diverse
partners and industry supporters, Crowley christened
the eWolf, America's first all-electric ship
assist harbor tugboat. Operating with zero emissions and other
sustainable technology, the tugboat delivers the high-power
capability, safety and efficiency that Crowley has made its
reputation.
"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. 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,"
said Tom Crowley, Chairman and CEO.
"We congratulate the people whose tireless dedication brought the
eWolf to fruition with our partners at the federal, state
and local government, setting a new standard not just in
America, but globally."
During the ceremony, Crowley welcomed Gustav Hein, Director of the Mid-Pacific Gateway
Region for the U.S. Maritime Administration; Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Chairman;
Jack Shu, San Diego County Air
Pollution Control District Governing Board Chair and a City of La
Mesa Councilmember; Diane Takvorian,
member of the California Air Resources Board; and Council President
Pro Tem Joe LaCava of San Diego to celebrate the industry milestone.
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 Urtasun. "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 in Coden, Ala., the 82-foot 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. The collaborative effort among federal, state and
local partners to decarbonize the port furthers the shared goal of
improving air quality for San
Diego.
"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 5 times more asthma hospitalizations," said 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 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."
A longtime leader in safe and efficient marine services, the
company 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.
About Crowley
Crowley is a privately held, U.S.-owned and -operated maritime,
energy and logistics solutions company serving commercial and
government sectors with $3.5 billion
in annual revenues, over 170 vessels mostly in the Jones Act fleet
and approximately 7,000 employees around the world – employing more
U.S. mariners than any other company. The Crowley enterprise has
invested more than $3.2 billion in
maritime transport, which is the backbone of global trade and the
global economy. As a global ship owner-operator and services
provider with more than 130 years of innovation and a commitment to
sustainability, the company serves customers in 36 nations and
island territories. Additional information about Crowley, its
business units and subsidiaries can be found at
www.crowley.com.
Media Contact:
David DeCamp
David.decamp@crowley.com
(904) 727-4263
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