New Rolls-Royce hybrid tug propulsion package

Said to be the world’s first hybrid tug the vessel was designed by Jensen Maritime and built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders for Baydelta Maritime LLC.

Griff Lane, Rolls-Royce’s senior vice president, commercial marine, Americas, said: “Our long-standing partnership with Baydelta Maritime and close cooperation with Jensen Maritime, Nichols Brothers and ABS has paved the way for an innovative, environmentally-friendly hybrid tug capable of safe and reliable operation and maximum bollard pull.”

The Rolls-Royce hybrid propulsion system consists of power take-in, electric motors, and main propulsion engines connected to Rolls-Royce azimuth thrusters, allowing the vessel to operate in either a diesel-mechanical, diesel-electric or boost mode configuration.

“The key benefit of a hybrid configuration is that it reduces the power requirement,” continued Mr Lane.

“Typically, a tug the size of the Baydelta vessel would need a power output 2500kW. The hybrid arrangement allows operators to achieve the required bollard pull from a smaller engine.”

The hybrid arrangement provides power to US255 azimuth thrusters with ducted fixed pitch propellers that can be rotated 360 degrees around the vertical axis. The vessel will be delivered in February 2019.