Rolls-Royce to provide tug sector with its first Hybrid System

Rolls-Royce will supply the tug boat sector with its first hybrid propulsion arrangement for installation to a multi-purpose tractor tug undergoing construction for Baydelta Maritime LLC. The vessel is being built at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, in Washington State, U.S.A., the Company said Tuesday.

The order represents the first hybrid tug using proven Rolls-Royce hybrid technology, the first installation of a hybrid system for Nichols Brothers and the first hybrid tug designed by Jensen Maritime, Crowley Maritime Corp’s Seattle-based naval architecture and engineering firm.

The 100-foot long tug will feature the same ship assist and tanker escort capabilities of existing Delta Class harbour tugs but with greatly improved towing performance. The Rolls-Royce hybrid system enhances the vessel’s escort capability, enabling the tug to provide support for assisting the ultra-large containerships that operate from US West Coast ports.

Rolls-Royce will supply all electric motors, shaft generators and a power management and control system. The Hybrid arrangement provides power to US255 azimuth thrusters with ducted fixed pitch propellers that can be rotated 360 degrees around the vertical axis. This arrangement optimises omni-directional thrust and manoeuvrability as well as providing improved crash stop capability.

Rolls-Royce and Baydelta have been working together since 1990s, when the San Francisco -based operator specified its first azimuth thrusters. Since then Baydelta’s entire fleet of tractor tugs is equipped with drive units.

The new tug Jensen Maritime has designed for Baydelta will be capable of a 90 short-ton bollard pull and capable of carrying up to 71,000 gallons of fuel, 4,300 gallons of fresh water, a large pilot house will provide all-around visibility, and the deckhouse has an open feel with a large mess and lounge area along with accommodations for a 8-person crew.
Bryan Nichols, Director Business Development, Jensen Maritime, said:

The tug is planned for delivery in February 2019.