Recent pictures of the two HYDROMASTER® Series 4 Transom mounted Azimuth propulsion units installed on a fully Electric Pusher tug approaching completion at Padmos Shipyard in Stellendam. The shipyard is building this pusher tug for KOTUG International for deployment on the Dutch waterways, designed by C-Job Naval Architects. Total propulsion power on this sustainable design is 600 kW:
The completed push tug will look like this:
Source: Maasmond Newsclippings.
looks like off-the-shelf induction AC motors. Could be very good, as in easy to replace…or bad (not weather proofed?) They seriously can’t make a better enclosure?
This concept is based battery power so I would assume that the motors are DC (no need for converters). Here is more on the concept:
The swappable battery banks is key to the operation:
PS> Since these tugs are for inland waterways I presume that “rain proof” is sufficient cover for the motors.
In addition, the vessel’s powerplant will be outfitted with the option for 100% electric power supply.
Another “world’s first” eclectic push tug delivered:
In Canada:
In Europe:
Electric workboat with towing capabilities:
BB Electra departs from IJmuiden on her delivery trip from the building yard in Turkey:
BB Electra arrives in Oslo:
Only half the power, but at least they put a cover on it.
The concept is good, you can swap a defective engine pretty quick and be back to work.