Wärtsilä unveils hybrid tug designs

Following its introduction of LNG-fueled tugs, Finnish technology group Wärtsilä, unveiled a new portfolio of tug designs based on the company’s HY hybrid propulsion solution.

The company has already unveiled tug designs featuring liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel technology as an efficient means for complying with environmental legislation.

These latest designs feature enhanced flexibility which enables the total installed main engine power to be less than with conventional designs. Using less engine power also decreases exhaust emission levels and, therefore, the environmental impact.

“We believe that new tugs will in future rely more and more on battery and hybrid propulsion, which very well complements today’s operational requirements,” said Riku-Pekka Hägg, vice president, ship design, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.

The designs have been optimised for low hull resistance, high towing/escort performance, sea-keeping, crew safety and comfort, as well as for easy maintenance.

The development work has been carried out in cooperation with the ABS, BV and Lloyds Register classification societies, and the designs have received approval-in-principle (AIP) certification.

The Wärtsilä HY solution has itself received AIP certification from the Lloyds Register classification society.