The first-ever electric tugboat has been unveiled in Vancouver, Canada, as the transportation industry increasingly shifts towards electric vehicles. The boat, named HaiSea Marine, was created through a partnership between Seaspan, a Vancouver-based shipyard, and Haisla Nation, the band government of the indigenous Haisla people. Designed by naval architecture firm Robert Allan Ltd., the tugboat was constructed at a Turkish shipyard, where most of the world’s tugboats are built.
The Haisla Nation played a crucial role in pushing Seaspan to develop the zero-emissions tugboat as part of negotiations to approve a new export terminal. In addition to being environmentally friendly, the electric-powered HaiSea Marine offers various advantages over traditional gas-powered tugboats. Unlike its diesel counterparts, it does not require smokestacks, providing an unobstructed view for the crew, which is essential for safe maneuvering and docking.
According to Jordan Pechie, senior vice president of Seaspan Marine Transportation, the electric motor is more responsive than the diesel engines typically used in tugboats, allowing for quicker maneuvering. Moreover, electric motors produce 33% less underwater noise, reducing disturbance to marine life.
Although the construction of the HaiSea Marine was more expensive than a traditional diesel tugboat, Pechie estimates that the operational cost savings will lead to a breakeven point in just eight years. As a result, 28 additional electric tugboats are now in production, following the example set by the HaiSea Marine.
Pechie believes that electric tugs are the future and believes they are well-suited for terminal contracts in British Columbia. The success of the electric tugboat has prompted others to follow suit, indicating that the industry is moving in the right direction.
