The Dawn of a Maritime Revolution
A monumental milestone in Canada’s maritime industry is finally here—the introduction of HaiSea Wamis, the nation’s first fully electric tugboat. This high-powered vessel, crafted by the prolific Sanmar Shipyards in Turkey, independently blazes a trail in harbor tugs’ fleet. It is the debutant in a triad of Robert Allan Ltd.’s innovative ElectRA 2800 battery electric harbor tugs, designed specifically for the Canadian shipping company, HaiSea Marine. HaiSea Marine is an influential joint venture between the Haisla First Nation and Seaspan ULC.
Journey to the LNG Canada Terminal
HaiSea’s future includes welcoming a pair of dual-fuel escort tugboats, making their significant journey up the Douglas Channel to settle in Kitimat. This crucial destination is where these tugboats will render indispensable services such as assisting and escort towing for LNG carriers. These carriers frequently call at the burgeoning export facility of LNG Canada, positioned firmly on Haisla Nation’s traditional territory.
Expressing his joy, Jordan Pechie, Senior Vice President of Seaspan Marine Transportation, said, “The arrival of HaiSea Wamis is a dream come true for our team and partners. We eagerly anticipate the Wamis’s maiden voyage to its home in Kitimat and its first six crew members—all from our partners at the Haisla Nation.”
Revolutionizing LNG Carrier Services
The ElectRA 2800 series, specifically engineered for accommodating LNG carriers’ unique requirements at the thriving LNG Canada terminal, marks a turning point in harbor tug design. Each of the three all-electric tugboats will acquire ABS class and feature Corvus’ state-of-the-art Orca Energy ESS, furnishing each vessel with a total battery capacity of a humongous 5,288 kWh. This phenomenal power capacity will drive two of Schottel’s dynamic azimuthing L-drive propulsion units, supported by electric motors located atop each system.
Sustainable Vessel Operation
Additionally, each tugboat comes fitted with a pair of Caterpillar C32 generators. However, it’s worth noting that all operations will function purely on electricity. Kitimat’s ready availability of hydroelectric power allows these marine titans to recharge using shoreside facilities stationed at their respective berths during dock departures and arrivals. This provision guarantees an almost emission-free operation when running on batteries.
Preeminent Performance Specimens
Following suit, HaiSea’s two dual-fuel LNG tugboats—measuring 40 meters and equipped with 100 tonnes of bollard pull—emerge as the most potent tugboats on Canada’s West Coast. These striking vessels belong to the RAstar 4000-DF escort tug series.
Measures of Worth
The ElectRA 2800 measures 28.4 meters in overall length and 13 meters in breadth and boasts an impressive International Gross Tonnage of 472. They hold an impressive 5,288 kWh battery capacity and can accommodate a maximum of six individuals. During completions, the tugboats can reach 12-12.5 knots at full speed and maintain a transit endurance of 8-10 knots on generators. Furthermore, the bollard pull performance stands at 65 tonnes throughout its lifetime, with 70 tonnes on batteries during trials and 35 tonnes on generators.
