Engine compartments become energy rooms as tug industry hits hybrid-electric revolution
Mattias Hellstrom (Svitzer/ETA): "Decarbonisation is now the most urgent challenge we face" (source: Riviera)
20 May 2025by Martyn Wingrove
Engine compartments on tugs are becoming energy rooms, with battery modules complementing generators for hybrid-electric propulsion
An industry push to lower emissions without impacting tug performance or service levels is driving the construction of tugboats and salvage vessels with large energy storage systems and back-up gensets.
In effect, the towage industry is embracing battery technology to reduce emissions from port operations, but needs fuel-flexible gensets as back-up support.
European Tugowners Association (ETA) deputy chairman and Svitzer global chief commercial officer, Mattias Hellstrom, said sustainability has become an expectation for the tug and towage sector, leading to a greater focus on reducing emissions with electric propulsion.
"We are in an electric-hybrid revolution where sustainability is intertwined with profitability - it is an expectation," he said at Riviera's TUGTECHNOLOGY '25 Conference[2] in Antwerp, Belgium, on 20 May.
"Decarbonisation is now the most urgent challenge we face. But sustainability needs to be commercially viable."
To achieve this, tug and workboat owners have turned to technology and sustainable fuels to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and other gaseous emissions, particularly battery packages.
"Technology is reshaping business models and operations," said Mr Hellstrom. "But there are high capital costs and uncertain returns on investments. We need partnerships and incentive packages to support adopters."
Vessel owners need to consider the total cost of ownership, including potentially lower maintenance and energy costs using batteries rather than engines for towage work.
"Fuel and maintenance savings make this more attractive over time," said Mr Hellstrom.
Enrique Aponte (Caterpillar Marine): "Flexibility is key for performing multiple tasks" (source: Riviera)
Caterpillar Marine senior account manager Enrique Aponte agreed with the sentiment during his speech to open the conference.
"Enginerooms are being transformed into energy rooms," Mr Aponte said. "There have been profound changes in tugs... battery power is a key technology for tugboats."
Mr Aponte reiterated that vessels with batteries for primary propulsion still require gensets prepared to run on low-carbon fuels as back-up for various port operations, to extend their range and provide added power when needed.
In reality, most tugs built with batteries on board operate with hybrid propulsion, he said.
"Hybrid propulsion is becoming the foundation of [decarbonisation] efforts in the tug and salvage sector," according to Mr Aponte. "Flexibility is key for performing multiple tasks."
Mr Aponte said tug owners should consider energy management solutions for reducing GHG emissions and the environmental impact, while raising "high levels of services that the industry demands" and "maintaining safety and robust operations."
Mr Aponte pointed to the expansion of lower-carbon fuels and multi-fuel capability for tug operations, especially sustainable biodiesel and alcohol-based fuels, saying "Flexibility is important as vessels move from port to port."
References
- ^ Mattias Hellstrom (Svitzer/ETA): "Decarbonisation is now the most urgent challenge we face" (source: Riviera) (dvzpv6x5302g1.cloudfront.net)
- ^ TUGTECHNOLOGY '25 Conference (events.rivieramm.com)