ABB’s electric propulsion, power, energy storage, control and automation technology will be at the heart of the first tug in South Asia capable of switching between low emission 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 from the Sembcorp Marine shipyard by the end of 2020.

LNG as a fuel virtually eliminates sulphur oxide emissions, and the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is also incentivising its use to support the International Maritime Organisation’s aims to halve ship CO2 emissions by 2050.

The project represents the first delivery of ABB’s award-winning power and distribution system Onboard DC Grid™ for a tug application.

Leveraging Onboard DC Grid™, 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.