Corvus Energy and Sanmar Shipyards have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a new range of zero-emission and hybrid tugs based on the Robert Allan design. The two companies say the agreement will allow them to jointly explore and establish a path for the future supply and integration of energy supply systems and fuel cell technology for electric and hybrid tugs, which will be constructed at Sanmar Shipyards’ facilities in Turkey. Corvus Energy will be responsible for battery and fuel cell technology, dimensioning and advice on battery room design, power system and fuel interfaces.
Rüçhan Çivgin, commercial director at Sanmar, said, “Sanmar, as ever, is focused on moving forward with technology and especially with pioneering technologies that contribute significantly to our customers’ and society’s march toward a greener and sustainable future. Corvus Energy is leading the way in how energy storage systems are used, by continuously developing new technology and exploring ever-newer ways of using energy storage to optimize energy consumption and reduce cost. The MoU we have signed with Corvus Energy draws on both our considerable strengths as leaders, pioneers and innovators in our respective fields, to accelerate the path toward much-needed, cost-effective and efficient future-ready battery and hybrid tugs, still further.”
“The tug and workboat market is an important market for Corvus Energy and a big part of our future growth strategy,” added Ronald Hansen, SVP ship solutions at Corvus Energy. “Battery and fuel cell technology is especially advantageous for workboats and tugs as their operational profile is highly variable. This MoU with Sanmar, which is one of the world’s leading tugboat builders, will help accelerate the development and increase the availability of more efficient zero- and low-emission tugs.”