Seizing the Future of Clean Operations
Harland & Wolff is spearheading a new consortium with an ambitious goal: developing and constructing a groundbreaking fleet of zero-emissions harbor and coastal tugs. This project showcases the revitalized group’s dedication to progressive business development strategies, focused on addressing the maritime and offshore sectors’ fabrication, construction, repair, and decommissioning needs.
For this innovative endeavor, Harland & Wolff has formed partnerships with Macduff Shipyards in Scotland, Kongsberg Maritime, and Swedish energy storage firm Echandia. These industry leaders share the conviction that the demand for green vessels will grow exponentially as the decade unfolds.
A Bold Step Toward Net Zero
“We are pleased to have put together this consortium”, enthuses John Wood, Group CEO of Harland & Wolff, emphasizing the significance of UK National Shipbuilding Office objectives and the pursuit of Net Zero. Boasting UK origins, these cutting-edge vessels will not only cater to future clean technology requirements but also pave the way for various vessel types.
The project’s initial phase proposes the construction of two tugs measuring nearly 84 feet in length, 39 feet in width, and 16 feet in draft, with an impressive 50-tonne bollard pull capacity.
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Each tug will feature Azimuth stern drives and modular battery banks. Additionally, two barges—one 295 feet long and the other 164 feet—will be constructed for transporting loads between Harland & Wolff’s yards and serving other clients.
Battery power backed up by a generator will power the tugs. Harland & Wolff will lead the building process, while Macduff Ship Design will handle the designs. Kongsberg will provide propulsion and vessel control systems, and Echandia will develop the battery and electrical control systems.
A New Era of Zero-Emissions Vessels
The blueprint combines established battery and propulsion technologies to deliver an emissions-free vessel equipped with electric propulsion powered by stored battery energy. Biofuel-driven generators will step in to provide backup during extraordinary operations or when shore charging is unavailable.
This pioneering tug project marks the starting point for other sectors’ shift toward zero-emission operations. The scalable technologies deployed will expand into the CTV and SOV markets.
Harland & Wolff: Embracing Tradition and Progress
Following its resurgence in 2019, Harland & Wolff acquired additional construction and repair sites, including Appledore and two Scottish-based yards, to concentrate on renewables, energy, and defense sectors. This week, the company’s Arnold, Scotland yard celebrates its largest project to date: a barge mooring system for a Canadian mining company in Greenland. Since April, the Belfast yard has also been delivering barges—its first new builds in 20 years. Harland & Wolff forms part of a consortium with Navantia UK, awarded a contract to build three naval support ships.
