The technology group Wärtsilä has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). That’s with Petrocity. For they are the parent company of the new port facility being built in the Brazilian city of São Mateus-ES.

This is to develop a harbour tug design. The prime consideration is to maximise the ecological operational sustainability of the vessel. That’s since the environmental demands of the new port are among the most stringent in the world. For this reason, the design will be based on the recently launched Wärtsilä HYTug. One which features hybrid propulsion. Also and energy storage using batteries.

First of Its Kind

The Wärtsilä HYTug emphasises environmental sustainability. Also operational efficiency and lower fuel consumption. More than is possible with conventional tug designs.

The ‘first-of-its-kind’ fully integrated hybrid power module combines engines. For the energy storage system and power electronics optimised to work together.  All through a newly developed energy management system (EMS). It also marks a new frontier in marine hybrid propulsion.

Fuel Efficiency

The fuel efficiency of this design has the added benefit of reducing exhaust emission levels. Furthermore, when operating in ‘green’ mode, it is unlikely that there will be any visible smoke. Especially from the Wärtsilä HYTug. For that’s since the load is being picked-up by the batteries. At the same time, the noise level of the tug will be notably reduced.

“The Wärtsilä HYTug will change the landscape of the tugboat market. That’s as battery usage significantly increases environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. All the while at the same time greatly reducing operating costs. It also represents further evidence of Wärtsilä’s leadership position. That’s in sustainable and energy efficient technologies,” says Marine Solutions’ Sales Manager, Mário Barbosa.

Green Ports

“Green port operations are completely aligned with Petrocity’s corporate philosophy and values. We look forward to working with Wärtsilä. Especially in developing the kind of harbour tug that meets the criteria that have been established for this project. This will be the first of many others in a huge logistics project. All which aims at the regional integration of the Espirito Santo, Minas Gerais and Bahia states. It represents a definitive guarantee of the interiorization of the economy. Especially in the north of Espírito Santo,” says Mr José Roberto, CEO Petrocity.

The new hybrid vessel features a very distinctive outlook. All the while providing the power and manoeuvrability for practical tug operations. The overall design has been optimised for low hull resistance. Also high towing and escort performance. Finally efficient sea-keeping, crew safety and comfort. That’s as well as for easy maintenance.

Wärtsilä Corporation Image source www.wartsila.com, image