Rolls-Royce has secured an order to provide its hybrid propulsion system for a multi-purpose tractor tug that is currently under construction for Baydelta Maritime.

The 100ft-long tugboat has been designed by Jensen Maritime and is being built at the Nichols Brothers Boat Builders site in Washington State, US.

Rolls-Royce is set to supply all the vessel’s electric motors and shaft generators as part of the deal, as well as its power management and control system.

“Baydelta Maritime is a long-standing customer for Rolls-Royce, but this order is of particular significance because it marks our first Rolls-Royce Hybrid System for a tug.”

The hybrid propulsion solution is designed to power the Rolls-Royce US255 azimuth thrusters with ducted fixed-pitch propellers, which are capable of rotating 360° around the vertical axis.

It is also intended to optimise the tugboat’s omni-directional thrust and manoeuvrability, in addition to offering improved crash stop capability.



Rolls-Royce Americas Tug and Fish vice-president Erik Larsen said: “Baydelta Maritime is a long-standing customer for Rolls-Royce, but this order is of particular significance because it marks our first Rolls-Royce Hybrid System for a tug.

“The tug will provide improved fuel efficiency and emissions. It shows this market, that the Rolls-Royce portfolio extends way beyond our US-type azimuth thrusters, the propulsion system of choice for this segment.”

Baydelta’s new vessel is anticipated to offer ship assist and tanker escort capabilities comparable to the current Delta Class harbour tugs, but with improved towing performance.

The tug is set to feature a 90 short-tonne bollard pull capacity and will be able to carry up to 71,000gal of fuel, as well as 4,300gal of freshwater.

It will be equipped with a pilot house for all-around visibility, in addition to a deckhouse with a large mess and lounge area.

It will be equipped with accommodations facilities for eight crew members.