Schottel package for first US all-electric tug

Crowley’s new 25 metre eWolf will be kitted out with two RudderPropellers type SRP 430 featuring the LE-Drive (‘Embedded L-Drive’) and Schottel’s data IoT gateway and monitoring system, MariHub.

“The eWolf’s zero-emissions design features a propulsion system that will provide a sustainable ship assist solution with enhanced safety and nimble manoeuvring capabilities,” said Joshua Ellis, vice president, ship assist services at Crowley.

The 2,050 kW RudderPropellers have diameters of 2.5 metres giving a bollard pull of around 70 tonnes. Due to the low installation height of the LE-Drive and the omission of the upper gearbox, the mechanical efficiency is said to be increased by around 3% whilst fuel consumption is reduced.

The eWolf will have a 6 Mwh energy storage system with sufficient capacity for one full day of work without using any fuel. Also on board are two generators for emergency use and to enable longer transit distances at a reduced speed.

Data collection is via MariHub which records and analyses signals from sensors, machinery and other components for evaluation by Schottel experts. This works in tandem with the condition monitoring service, ProCMS, allowing for the early detection of irregularities in the propulsion system.

The eWolf is being built at Master Boat Builders shipyard in Coden, Alabama and will begin operations by mid-2023, supporting ship arrivals and departures at the Port of San Diego in California.