The hybrid Svitzer Balder tug combines battery-electric propulsion with methanol engines for range extension
Marine battery specialist AYK Energy has marked a notable step forward in workboat electrification following the successful sea trials of the first battery-methanol powered TRAnsverse tug, Svitzer Balder.
The TRAnsverse tug, built by Uzmar Shipyard, is positioned as the most powerful electric escort tug currently in operation, capable of performing both harbour duties and near-open sea operations. The tug is scheduled for delivery to the Port of Gothenburg, where it is expected to undertake more than 90% of towing and docking operations using zero-emission battery-electric power.
The tug represents the fifth vessel in the Svitzer fleet to be equipped with battery systems supplied by AYK Energy.
The AYK team helped to manage sea trials on the vessel which it supplied with an ABS certified AriesA 6MWh battery system with a lifespan of around 10 years.
AYK Energy founder Chris Kruger said: “I would like to thank Uzmar and Svitzer for trusting AYK to build and deliver this battery system. AYK is proving that battery technology is evolving and becoming more powerful, more advanced and more competitive. At a time of volatile oil prices battery power is offering an increasingly attractive safe harbour to vessel operators.”
Mr Kruger said key to making batteries more economically viable is the use of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells, instead of the more expensive NMC – nickel, manganese, cobalt cell technology. AYK has led the introduction of LFP technology in the global maritime market being the first manufacturer to secure a type-approved marine battery using LFP.
“This project again shows that LFP can provide the energy density and horsepower the industry demands for significantly less cost and it is much safer than the more combustible NMC chemistry,” he said.
The TRAnsverse tug design, is developed by Svitzer in collaboration with Robert Allan Ltd, with its battery system supported by dual-fuel methanol engines to provide back-up power and extended operational range.
