ABS Issues AIP for Wartsila Hybrid Design

ABS has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to Wärtsilä for a hybrid-powered, tug design. The new design will form the foundation for Wärtsilä’s new portfolio of tug designs, known as the Wärtsilä HYTug Series.

“By working with ABS and applying their Rules and Guides to this new concept, we were able to develop an efficient and economical tug design,” said Wärtsilä Ship Design Sales Manager/ Naval Architect Ay Hwa Ngoh. “This AIP helps demonstrate the feasibility of the hybrid-powered concept and is an important step in the development of our eco-friendly HYTug Series.”

In issuing the AIP, ABS evaluated the overall design as well as the application of hybrid power through the use of lithium batteries. To support the battery component of this design, ABS applied its Guide for use of Lithium Batteries in the Marine and Offshore Industries (Battery Guide) to help Wärtsilä demonstrate the readiness of their hybrid power solution.

With the increased industry focus on environmental compliance and operational performance, many owners and operators in the marine and offshore industries are shifting their attention to electric propulsion and nonconventional sources of power. To help guide the industry in the development of new concepts, in addition to the Battery Guide, ABS has introduced the ABS Advisory on Hybrid Electric Power Systems which takes a measured approach to evaluating the potential advantages and disadvantages, challenges and level of readiness for the primary hybrid electric power systems and components that are most suited for marine and offshore applications. The comprehensive list of technologies addressed in the Advisory includes lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, flywheel energy storage, fuel cells, wind and solar.