(VANCOUVER, British Columbia) — Robert Allan Ltd. (RAL) and Svitzer have signed a design agreement for a new generation of methanol fuel cell tugboats. Utilizing a combination of fuel cells, batteries and electric propulsion in a new and unique towing configuration, this new tug will serve as a pilot project for future Svitzer newbuilds.
The close cooperation between Svitzer and Maersk will allow for the transfer of knowledge and experience from the small scale of inshore tug operations to oceangoing containerships.
As the designers of the world’s first hybrid tug on North America’s West Coast, Robert Allan Ltd. has been at the forefront of “green” technology for more than 10 years. It has continually pushed the boundaries of new technologies to provide its customers with innovative and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional diesel-mechanical power trains.
– Robert Allan Ltd.