AYK Energy, a manufacturer of advanced marine battery systems, has been commissioned to supply a 6MWh battery for the world’s first battery-methanol hybrid tug. The battery system will be delivered to UZMAR Shipyard in Türkiye, which is constructing the vessel for Svitzer, a global leader in towage and marine services. Delivery of the battery is planned for the second half of 2025, with the tug set to operate in Gothenburg, Sweden, providing zero-emission services across a quarter of Svitzer’s operations in the port.
The tug is based on Svitzer’s innovative TRAnsverse tug design and the battery will be supported by dual fuel methanol engines for back-up and range extension. Designed in collaboration with naval architect, Robert Allan Ltd, the tug will feature an overall length of 34.9 meters, providing substantial stability and capacity. It will deliver an impressive bollard pull ahead of 85 tonnes and utilise escort steering and braking forces rated at 150 and 200 tonnes, respectively, measured at 10 knots. With a gross tonnage of approximately 806 tonnes and powered by a 6MWh battery system, the tug will be capable of achieving speeds of up to 14 knots.
The order comes as fast-growing AYK Energy is seeing a surge in demand for its batteries across the maritime industry with the manufacturer supplying ferries, OSVs, superyachts, fishing vessels, work boats and even large container vessels as part of their power mix.
The order comes as AYK Energy experiences a surge in demand for its battery systems across the maritime sector. The company’s batteries are now powering a diverse range of vessels, including ferries, offshore support vessels (OSVs), superyachts, fishing vessels, workboats, and even large container vessels.
AYK Energy founder Chris Kruger said: “We’re extremely pleased to have won the contract from Uzmar and Svitzer. It also shows our continuing progress in winning the bigger battery projects and that is very much down to our advanced technology and commitment to providing value for money.”
Gareth Prowse, Head of Decarbonisation at Svitzer, said: “The launch of a first-of-its-kind newbuild project with our partners at Uzmar Shipyard is a significant milestone for our decarbonisation ambitions. The battery electric tug will mean we can deliver our services to customers in the Port of Gothenburg with significantly lower carbon emissions, and still to the highest operational and safety standards.”
Uzmar CEO, Ahmet Noyan ALTUG added: “By integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, we are not just building a tug; we are helping to shape the future of green maritime operations.”
