Corvus and Sanmar to develop clean tugs

Based on Robert Allan Design, the electric and hybrid tugs will have a bollard pull between 30-70 tons and will be constructed at Sanmar Shipyards’ facilities in Turkey. Corvus Energy will be responsible for battery and fuel cell technology, dimensioning and advice on battery room design, power system and fuel interfaces.

Ronald Hansen, senior vice president ship solutions at Corvus Energy, said: “Battery and fuel cell technology is especially advantageous for workboat and tugs as their operational profile is highly variable. This MoU with Sanmar, which is one of the world’s leading tugboat builders, will help accelerate the development and increase availability of more efficient zero- and low-emission tugs.”

The MoU allows the two companies to jointly explore and establish a path for the future supply and integration of energy supply systems and fuel cell technology.

Ruchan Civgin, Commercial Director of Sanmar, said: “The MoU we have signed with Corvus Energy draws on both our considerable strengths as leaders, pioneers and innovators in our respective fields, to accelerate the path towards much needed, cost-effective and efficient future-ready battery and hybrid tugs, still further.”

The agreement was signed during European Tug Owners Association Meeting held in Turku, Finland. The organisations are expected to sign a full Cooperation Agreement later this year.