ABB to Power LNG Hybrid Tug in Singapore
ABB April 15 said its electric propulsion, power, energy storage, control and automation technology will power the first tug in Singapore capable of switching between LNG engines and zero-emission battery power.
The tug, which will operate in Singapore harbour, has been ordered by Sembcorp Marine subsidiary Jurong Marine Services for delivery by the end of 2020, ABB said.
The project represents the first delivery of ABB’s power and distribution system Onboard DC Grid for a tug application. The vessel will be able to deploy 904 kWh of battery power for zero-emission operation, as well as for peak shaving – improving utilisation of electricity use on board, ABB said.
According to ABB, gas fuelled engines face a challenge when it comes to handling the fast-changing load capabilities demanded by tugs. “Leveraging the Onboard DC Grid system, the tug’s engines will be able to run at variable speeds for optimised LNG fuel economy at each load level,” it said.
The Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is incentivising the use of LNG as marine fuel to support the International Maritime Organisation’s aim to halve ship CO2 emissions by 2050.
