(CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas) — Suderman & Young has been selected as a sub-recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program to construct a zero-emission battery electric tug to be used in the Port of Corpus Christi. The port is the collaborating entity.
The plan Suderman & Young submitted with the grant application would make this North America’s most powerful electric tugboat, leading the charge in sustainability as the port continues to rapidly grow. This newbuild initiative advances the port’s environmental stewardship and maritime sustainability goals.
“This new tug design, with its power and design flexibility, will set the standard for sustainable and environmentally conscious harbor towing in North America,” said Capt. Jay Rivera, chief commercial office at Suderman & Young. “Corpus Christi is the nation’s largest oil export port, and we are proud of Suderman & Young’s role in growing an industry that is vital to the Texas economy while reducing emissions and pollution. Design and construction planning for the new tug is in progress.”
With a bollard pull exceeding 100 metric tons, Suderman & Young’s proposed e-tug will have the capability to assist the world’s largest tankers in navigating through the Port of Corpus Christi – all without emitting any carbon. This advancement represents a pivotal step toward slashing pollution in the port.
Suderman & Young plans to source the electric power for the tugboats from renewable energy sources, solidifying its position as a provider of the most powerful and environmentally responsible tugboat assistance package in the United States.
Tug specifications
• Length: 98 feet
• Beam: 44 feet
• Bollard pull: 100-plus metric tons
• Battery capacity: 8,500-plus ekW
• Operational capacity: Capable of performing three ship-assist jobs prior to recharge
• Fast charging capability: Less than three hours
– Suderman & Young
