Marine Log

SEACOR Group member Seabulk’s recently delivered harbor tug Spartan adds to a fast-growing reference list of vessels featuring a fully integrated hybrid propulsion plant from Sweden’s Berg Propulsion. Built by Master Boat Builders, Coden , Ala., the Robert Allan-designed RApport 3000 vessel is the first of two 90-ton bollard pull tugs using what is the most advanced hybrid electric package ever delivered by Berg Propulsion.

In addition to Berg MTA 628 azimuthing thrusters, Berg VS3 variable frequency drives with motors, and its own hybrid control system, Berg’s design, supply, and integration for the vessel includes the switchboard with full power management plus control of the tug’s twin Caterpillar 3512E EPA Tier 4 (2,550 hp) main engines and its gensets – two CAT C18s and one C7.1.

SEAMLESS SWITCHING

Berg’s hybrid electric propulsion system includes high levels of redundancy for safety as well as the ability to switch seamlessly between operating modes with the push of a button. A vessel can run on main engines only, gensets only, or a combination of the two, optimizing energy use across the entire operating profile. A tug in transit can minimize energy consumption and eliminate main engine wear by running on a single generator set. In hybrid mode, power is balanced between the diesel engines and electrical motors to optimize fuel consumption, maneuvering response, and bollard performance.

“During the first weeks in operation, Spartan has been living up to the promises made for hybrid propulsion vessels,” said Seabulk president and CEO Daniel Thorogood. “Seabulk’s commitment to improving the sustainability of its operations is represented by its investment in a new generation of vessels whose flexibility is proving that hybrid tug technology is our choice for the future.”

Installation of the Berg solution at the shipyard was managed by Berg’s distributor and partner in the area, Thompson Marine,

“Thompson Marine managed the details from the earliest design phase through sea trials together with Master Boat Builders, Seabulk, Berg Propulsion, and Caterpillar,” said Richard Tremayne, marine business Manager, Thompson Marine. “This delivery sets down a marker that – with the right team in place – the sustainability and performance benefits of advanced hybrid electric propulsion are available to all.”

“This has been a landmark delivery for Master Boat Builders in next generation tug construction, and a testament to the value of teamwork,” said Garrett Rice, president, Master Boat Builders. “The approach was collaborative throughout the design, engineering, and building phases and we look forward to completing work on the second of these innovative Seabulk tugboats later this year.”

Master Boat Builders, Inc. today announced that earlier this month, Spartan, an electric-hybrid tugboat was delivered to Seabulk. This modern and unique tug was built at MBB’s Coden, Ala., yard for Seabulk.

“The Spartan is the latest addition to our fleet and constitutes the first of two hybrid diesel-electric vessels commissioned from Master Boat Builders. She is representative of their advanced workmanship and ability to deliver modern, cutting-edge marine technology. We look forward to continuing to deliver service excellence and offering our customers a more sustainable towing solution,” said Daniel Thorogood, Chief Executive Officer of Seabulk.

“As the maritime industry continues to evolve and modernize its fleet, Master Boat Builders is proud to deliver this hybrid tugboat, which will serve as the most efficient technologically advanced Tug operating in the US.,” said Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders. “Spartan is the latest in a series of innovative and alternative-powered work boats that we are constructing and that we will continue to deliver as demand in this market expands.”

Spartan was designed by Robert Allan Naval Architects & Marine Engineers. The tug is built to meet USCG regulations and is classed through the American Bureau of Shipping, including escort notation.

The vessel has an overall length of 98 feet, beam of 43 feet, and bollard pull of 90 tons. The integrated hybrid propulsion system was provided by Thompson Tractor and includes two EPA Tier 4 certified Caterpillar 3512E main engines, each producing 2,550 horsepower and two Berg MTA 628 azimuth thrusters, three Caterpillar generators and two ABB propulsion motors and associated variable frequency drives.

MOBILE, Ala. — Master Boat Builders, Inc. (MBB), announced the delivery of a new 4,000-hp tug to Polaris New Energy. Named the Polaris, this tug will be coupled with the recently delivered barge Clean Canaveral, forming the largest Jones Act compliant articulated tug barge (ATB) providing LNG bunker fuel in the U.S. Master Boat Builders, Polaris New Energy and the ATB operator McAllister Towing are proud to support the advancement of this new, clean marine fuel.

“Master Boat Builders is committed to producing the most dependable and reliable tugs in the Maritime Industry, and we thank Polaris New Energy, LLC for giving us the opportunity to prove it,” said Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders. “Polaris will be used to its full potential, helping fuel the cruise ship industry’s new LNG-powered ships when they arrive in Port Canaveral later this year.”

McAllister Towing LNG Services LLC will operate the Polaris/Clean Canaveral ATB. The Vessel was delivered to Polaris New Energy, LLC earlier this month.