3GA Marine Spearheads Design and Construction Management of Innovative Hybrid Electric Boom Tug

3GA Marine Ltd., a leading Canadian naval architecture and marine engineering firm, has been contracted by Seaforth Environmental Service to design and manage the construction of a state-of-the-art, 12.1-meter hybrid electric boom tug. Collaborating with Turkish shipyard TRX Marine, this groundbreaking vessel, with its zero-emission electric propulsion, showcases the innovative spirit and environmental commitment of all three companies involved.
 
Using their HT120 hull form as a foundation, 3GA Marine Ltd. designed the cutting-edge tugboat specifically to meet Seaforth Environmental Service’s needs for environmental boom placement operations along the pristine waters of the west coast. The first of its kind in the Vancouver Port Authority, the vessel is slated for delivery in the second quarter of 2024.
 
The tugboat’s power comes from an intelligent, compact electric propulsion system featuring next-generation battery technology. Relying on clean BC hydro energy, the hybrid electric tug achieves significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and substantial fuel cost savings. The hybrid power system combines electric propulsion and a diesel generator, allowing the vessel to operate 95%-100% of the time on electric power during harbor duties, greatly minimizing diesel usage.
 
A 294 kWh energy storage system provides power for both propulsion and operational tasks. The design offers long-term advantages, such as easily upgradable battery technology, reduced fuel consumption, and major maintenance reductions. As a result, greenhouse gas emissions, including NOx and SOx, are significantly decreased. Additionally, the near-silent operation of the vessel has a positive impact on both shoreline ecosystems and marine life.
 
This pioneering project highlights 3GA Marine Ltd.’s industry-leading expertise in naval architecture and marine engineering and demonstrates the fruitful collaboration between 3GA Marine Ltd., Seaforth Environmental Service, and TRX Marine in driving the maritime industry towards a greener, more sustainable future.