(VANCOUVER, British Columbia) — SAAM Towage and its coalition of partners in the public and private sector have unveiled the first 100 percent electric, zero-emission tugboats that will service local clients in the Port of Vancouver starting this spring.
The official launch took place at the Port of Vancouver on April 10 and opened with a traditional welcome from the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations. The two electric tugs were launched in a special event with the indigenous partners in the presence of government officials and leading sector organizations.
“In all the world, there are only a handful of electric tugboats in operation. We’ll now see two of them hard at work in Vancouver’s magnificent harbor,” said Premier David Eby. “The reduction in pollution from these electric tugs is the equivalent of taking 600 vehicles off the road. The future is happening right now in British Columbia.”
With support from the Province of British Columbia, Teck Resources Ltd., Neptune Terminals and the help of SAAM’s partners Oldendorff Carriers and BC Hydro, the initiative represents a leap forward for the industry. It will drive sustainable environmental changes through innovation while partnering with indigenous stewards of the land and water. The initiative has been incorporated into SAAM’s corporate strategy.
“Today, we are taking a decisive step into the future. The christening and commissioning of our first electric tugs are proof of our commitment to move toward increasingly sustainable operations, seeking the best solutions tailored to each customer and the conditions at each port,” said SAAM CEO Macario Valdes.
Electric tug operations will commence in May, using clean energy from British Columbia’s hydroelectric power grid. Teck Resources Ltd. supports the initiative and has committed to using SAAM Towage’s services at Neptune Terminals, in line with both companies’ goals for sustainable operations.
“By adding electric-powered tugboats to our fleet, SAAM Towage is leading the way in maritime operations and is a testament to our commitment,” said Sander Bikkers, president and country manager of SAAM Towage Canada. “Together with our value-aligned partners, we aim to set a positive example for the industry in the hopes that others will join us and follow suit here in Canada and globally.”
SAAM anticipates its two inaugural battery electric tugs will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2,400 metric tons annually. The tugs also emit considerably less marine noise, significantly reducing impacts on the environment and aquatic life in Port of Vancouver and beyond.
SAAM’s new ElectRA 2300-SX fleet is based on the exclusive design from Vancouver naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. (RAL), resulting from a collaboration between RAL, SAAM Towage, SANMAR Shipyards and Corvus Energy, among others.
– SAAM Towage
