A new port tug supplied by one of the leading manufacturers of workboats in the United States is being formed in the Berg Propulsion housing, which optimizes the efficiency, durability and performance of the hybrid electric drive for this purpose.
The Spartan, the latest high-performance tug to join the Seabulk fleet, has joined the fast-growing list of ships with a fully integrated Berg Propulsion hybrid propulsion. Designed by Robert Allan, already operating in Port Arthur following the Master Boat Builders, the RAPort 3000 is the first of two 90-ton tugs to use this latest Berg package, the last to be available in Q3 2022.
In addition to Berg MTA 628 azimuth nozzles, Berg VS3 variable frequency motors with motors and Berg’s own hybrid control system, the design, range and integration of the Berg switchboard include full management and power management. Caterpillar 3512E EPA Tier 4 twin-head tugboat main engine (2,550 hp) and its generator sets – two CAT C18 and one C7.1
The Berg hybrid electric drive system features a high level of safety redundancy as well as the ability to seamlessly switch between push-button control modes. The ship can only run with main engines, only with generator systems, which is a combination of both, which optimizes energy consumption throughout the company’s profile. The tug can transport energy consumption and eliminate primary engine wear during operation of the generator set. In hybrid mode, power is balanced between the diesel and electric engines to optimize fuel consumption, maneuverability and bollard performance.
“During the first few weeks of operation, the Spartan fulfilled its promises for hybrid ships,” said Daniel Thorogood, president and CEO of Seabulk. “Seabulk’s commitment to improving the continuity of its operations represents its investment in a new generation of ships whose flexibility proves that hybrid towing technology is our choice for the future.”
The solution, which is being installed in the yard of Berg’s local distributor and partner, Thompson Marine, is the most advanced hybrid electric package offered by Berg Propulsion.
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“Thompson Marine has mastered the details of the early stages of design through marine tests with Master Boat Builders, Seabulk, Mountain Propulsion and Caterpillar,” said Richard Tremayne, Marine Business Manager, Thompson Marine. “This delivery sets the tone that – with the right team – the benefits of the durability and performance of an advanced hybrid electric drive will be available to everyone.”
“This is a milestone for Master Boat Builders in the next generation of berth construction and proof of the value of working together,” said Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders. “This approach works together at all stages of design, engineering and construction, and we expect work on the second of these new Seabulk tugs to be completed later this year.”
