Bruce Strupp News

Crowley Maritime Corporation has owned and operated a lot of vessels since its founding in 1892. But the latest vessel to join its fleet is unlike any other that has come before it.Crowley’s new harbor tug, eWolf, is unique in that it runs 100% powered by batteries, not diesel engines, meaning it produces zero emissions and nearly no noise. Not only is the vessel the first fully electric tug in the Crowley fleet, but it is also the first of its kind in the United States.Faced with stricter regulations and commercial pressure to prioritize environmental…

Maine ferry operator Casco Bay Lines has committed to an integrated hybrid-electric power and propulsion solution for its new vessel, in a technology step change along one of the longest-established ferry routes in the United States.The new 50-meter ferry will feature ABB Marine & Ports’ hybrid power, propulsion and a shore charging system, supporting diesel-electric and zero-emissions battery-powered modes, as well as a combination of both. With the ferry operating in zero-emission mode, the passengers will benefit from a smoother, quieter and cleaner ride.

Technological advancement is opening new doors for hybrid and fully electric vessels.In mid-2020, the U.S. Navy accepted the delivery of the USS Zumwalt, the Navy’s first full-electric power and propulsion surface combatant. The ship’s new electric propulsion plant provides favorable efficiency coupled with a reduced total cost of ownership. The design is flexible and efficient to deliver power where it’s needed, when it’s needed. Its adoption is symbolic of a maritime future and what could be in store for other marine craft…

Ferries have pioneered zero-emission technology deployment for good reason. Short routes and regular port visits provide opportunities for shipboard stored energy technology, and it is the commercial case that is turning the tide towards zero emissions where the ferry market is concerned. Supported by shoreside charging infrastructure, a fully charged battery pack can be used to propel a ship along a predictable route at relatively low operating cost and little wear and tear,…

Caterpillar Marine has shipped Cat® C8.7 supercharged diesel engines. The electronically-controlled C8.7 is capable of delivering an impressive 650 MHP @ 2300 RPM while meeting EPA Tier 3, IMO 2, EU Stage IIIA and RCD emissions requirements. In addition to internal validation activities, the C8.7 recently completed field testing on three sportfish yachts, ranging from 48 to 55 feet, accumulating over 7500 hours. Customers can order the C8.7 from the global Cat dealer network. “We’ve been incredibly pleased with the development, testing and delivery of the high-performance C8.7 engine,” Bruce Strupp, Caterpillar Marine propulsion solutions manager noted.

Caterpillar Marine say they will unveil a significant product milestone at the 2013 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, introducing the Cat® Three60 Pod 650, which is specifically designed for the new Cat C8.7 electronically controlled marine propulsion engine. The new Cat Three60 Pod 650 revolutionizes docking and slow-speed maneuvering for diesel-powered yachts. Available in spring 2015, the pod is specifically designed to be remarkably easy for customers to learn, with easy ‘push, twist and go’ maneuvering.

Caterpillar Marine Power Systems will propel a series of 49,000 dwt tankers, built and operated in the US according to domestic Jones Act regulations. Propulsion will be diesel-electric using three MaK 12 M 32 C generating sets equipped with Siemens alternators. Each set will weigh about 120 tons and provide 5760 kWe at 720 rpm. The tankers have been ordered by AHL Shipping Company, San Antonio, Texas, following a charter agreement with Shell Trading (US) Company, Houston, Texas, to transport crude oil, chemicals and products within domestic US trade lanes from 2009/2010. Approximate vessel dimensions: length 188 metres, breadth 32 metres, draft 11 metres, cargo capacity 330,000 barrels.