Teck, Neptune Terminals and SAAM Towage have partnered to deploy electric tugs in Canada’s port of Vancouver, significantly reducing greenhouse gases and underwater noise.
At full capacity, the new units will reduce 2,400 tons (2,177 tonnes) of greenhouse gases (GHG)each year. The ElectRA 2300SXtugs are designed by Vancouver-based Robert Allan and will be built at Sanmar Shipyards in Turkey.
“With an overall length of 23 m and 70 tons (63.5 tonnes) of bollard pull capacity, the ElectRA tugs will be highly capable of delivering services to all terminals in the port of Vancouver,” said Sander Bikkers, president and country manager of SAAM Towage Canada.
The tugboats, which are expected to be delivered during the second half of 2023, will be powered by two separate battery lithium-ion energy storage systems, making them 100 percent electric and zero-emissions ships. They will be charged by British Columbia’s hydroelectric power grid.
“With Teck and Neptune Terminals, SAAM Towage has found value aligned partners who want to drive sustainable environmental changes through innovation,” said Bikkers. “This partnership is based on a shared commitment to do our part to address the global challenge of climate change by reducing our carbon footprint. In addition to this, the tugs will significantly reduce the impact of underwater noise, which is another concern in British Columbia’s waterways.”
