Corvus Energy is extending its participation in the innovative US Crowley eWolf zero-emission tugboat project with an order to supply shoreside battery energy storage systems (ESS) using two Corvus Orca BOBs—the containerised version of its Corvus Orca ESS—with a total energy storage capacity of 2,990 kWh.
The Crowley eWolf, the first all-electric tug in the US and its shoreside charging infrastructure, will go into service in San Diego’s harbour in 2023. Corvus Energy is supplying the 6.2 MWh Corvus Orca ESS on board eWolf. The vessel is under construction at Master Boat Builders, with electrical integration provided by ABB.
Ole Jacob Irgens, Corvus Energy President Americas said: “The use of the Corvus Orca ESS shoreside will allow eWolf to charge quickly, potentially avoiding the need to upgrade the electricity grid infrastructure at the por. Since the Orca ESS has a high C-rate, it is capable of discharging quickly and safely so that eWolf will be quickly recharged and returned into service.”
The eWolf and the shoreside infrastructure are designed to allow the vessel to operate fully electric with full performance capabilities, as well as draw energy at off-peak hours from the energy grid. The eWolf is a result of a partnership among Crowley, the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, the California Air Resources Board, the Port of San Diego, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Maritime Administration, which all provided financial support and other resources.
Paul Manzi, VP Crowley Shipping, said: “Corvus Energy’s storage system will enable Crowley and our federal, state and local partners to reach our shared commitment of reducing emissions and providing cleaner air for the San Diego community. The innovative technology also will help ensure high performance and reliability as the tugboats serves customers – providing a model for sustainability at ports around the nation.”
The Orca BOB containers will each contain almost 1.5 MWh of energy storage capacity and be capable of ‘fast-charging’ the Crowley eWolf tug. The Corvus Orca BOB is a class-approved, modular battery room solution in standard 20ft ISO high-cube container size.
