The technology group Wärtsilä has adapted its ground-breaking hybrid tug design to specifically meet the needs of the Chinese market. This version of the Wärtsilä HYTug has received an Approval-in-Principle recognition by the China Classification Society (CCS).
The Wärtsilä HYTug emphasises environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and lower fuel consumption than is possible with conventional tug designs. The design is based upon Wärtsilä’s ‘first-of-its-kind’ fully integrated hybrid power module. This combines engines, an energy storage system using batteries, and power electronics optimised to work together through a newly developed energy management system (EMS). It marks a new frontier in marine hybrid propulsion.
Since they typically operate in or close to harbours and populated areas, tugs are particularly affected by environmental considerations, and the need for regulatory compliance is an increasing concern for tug owners and operators worldwide. When operating in ‘green’ mode, it is unlikely that there will be any visible smoke from the Wärtsilä HYTug since the load is being picked-up by the batteries. At the same time, the noise level of the tug will be notably reduced.
“Wärtsilä’s strong support for China’s marine sector is again highlighted with this HYTug design that has been aimed specifically at meeting the needs of this market. In developing the design, ensuring compliance with the increasingly stringent environmental requirements in China was a major focus point,” says Riku-Pekka Hägg, Vice President, Ship Design, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.
The Wärtsilä HYTug provides numerous customer benefits through increased operational efficiency and flexibility, resulting in lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and improved vessel performance. The design is available in three different hull sizes, namely a 28m harbour tug with a 50t bollard pull, a 29.5m harbour tug with a 75t bollard pull, and a 35m escort tug with a 75t bollard pull. A bollard pull range of 40 to 90t can be covered with the appropriate Wärtsilä equipment modules. The propulsion configuration is such that each design comes with the option to select either diesel mechanical hybrid, or diesel electric hybrid propulsion.
The Wärtsilä HYTug with CCS Approval-in-Principle is to be announced at the Marintec conference and exhibition being held in Shanghai from December 5 to 8. Wärtsilä’s stand number is N2D51-9, Finnish Pavilion, Hall N2.
Source: Wärtsilä