SAAM Towage, division of SAAM Group, signed an agreement on 13 October with Teck & Neptune Terminals to deploy the first two electric tugs in its fleet.
It is envisaged that these new units will reduce 2,400 tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHG) each year. The ElectRA 2300SX tugs have been designed by Vancouver-based Robert Allan and will be built at Sanmar Shipyards in Turkey.
“With an overall length of 23 meters and a 70 tons Bollard Pull performance, the tugs will be highly capable of delivering services to all terminals in the Port of Vancouver,” said Sander Bikkers, president and country manager of SAAM Towage Canada.
The tugboats are powered by two separate battery Li-ion energy storage systems, making them 100% electric and zero-emissions ships. They will be charged by British Columbia’s hydroelectric power grid and they are expected to be delivered during the second half of 2023.
Earlier in October, German container shipping company Hapag-Lloyd announced the acquisition of the entire terminal business of SM SAAM.
