Tugboat Construction Bolsters Engine and Thruster Innovation

High tugboat and workboat construction worldwide is bolstering demand for engines, generators and thrusters, with growing interest in combusting alternative fuels in four-stroke engines, according to a market overview. High shipyard production continues to drive demand for diesel engines, propellers and azimuth thrusters. Original equipment manufacturers and shipyards have signed agreements for multiple orders as the sector seeks alternative solutions for reducing emissions and increasing efficiency without affecting power and towage performance.

 

The Market Overview

 

Shipyard production remains high worldwide. This bolsters equipment demand. It covers four-stroke engines. Generators also benefit. Propellers and thrusters feature too.

Competition is strong among manufacturers. Several major OEMs compete. These span multiple engine makers. The market remains active. At least two thrusters are needed per vessel.

 

The Thruster Market

 

The thruster market is consolidating. Kongsberg Maritime made acquisitions. These covered Berg Propulsion and Steerprop. This reduces competition. Yet ordering should remain high.

The consolidation reshapes the sector. Fewer suppliers now compete. However, demand persists. Each vessel needs multiple thrusters. This sustains the market.

 

The Damen Agreement

 

Damen signed a notable agreement. It selected Everllence engines. These are its 175D engines. At least two feature per vessel. This covers fuel-flexible tugs.

The tugs are future-ready. They are ready for diesel. Biofuels are also supported. Dual-fuel methanol features too. They include emissions-reduction equipment.

 

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The Biofuel Adoption

 

Biofuel use has increased. Indonesian operators use blends. These cover intra-national routes. Several owners are leading. Svitzer uses HVO in the UK.

Many owners are trialling biofuels. These span several major operators. This reflects growing interest. It supports emissions reduction. It uses existing engine technology.

 

The Methanol Leaders

 

Some owners lead in methanol. Svitzer and Kotug Canada are notable. A dual-fuel methanol tug reached Canada. It is the world's first such tug. A sister vessel follows.

These tugs are powerful vessels. They will be Canada's most powerful escort tugs. They use dual-fuel engines. They offer 120 tonnes of bollard pull. They include emissions-reduction systems.

 

The Battery-Methanol Innovation

 

A battery-methanol tug also features. This is Svitzer Balder. It was built in Turkey. It serves a Swedish port. It is the first such hybrid tug.

The vessel has advanced systems. It has substantial battery capacity. Methanol generators also feature. A diesel genset completes it. Company leadership called it a flagship project.