(MOBILE, Ala.) — Master Boat Builders has delivered Spartan, an electric-hybrid tugboat, to Seabulk. This modern and unique vessel was built at the shipbuilder’s yard in Coden, Ala..
“The Spartan is the latest addition to our fleet and constitutes the first of two hybrid diesel-electric vessels commissioned from Master Boat Builders,” said Daniel Thorogood, chief executive officer of Seabulk. “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.”
“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 U.S.,” 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 Ltd. The tug is built to meet U.S. Coast Guard 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; two Berg MTA 628 azimuth thrusters; three Caterpillar generators, and two ABB propulsion motors and associated variable frequency drives.
– Master Boat Builders