Singapore’s Sembcorp Marine has named its first of a series of LNG hybrid tugs designed for domestic service in Singapore.
Sembcorp Marine said in a statement on Wednesday it named the Singapore-flagged vessel JMS Sunshine.
The firm commissioned the design and build of what it says is the world’s first LNG hybrid tug in 2018, as part of the company’s decarbonization initiatives and to “lead maritime fleet renewal with green propulsion vessels.”
Sembcorp Marine plans to build a fleet of tugs to progressively replace the existing diesel-powered fleet operated by Jurong Marine Services (JMS), a wholly owned unit of Sembcorp Marine Ltd and a licensed operator of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
LMG Marin AS, a wholly-owned unit of Sembcorp Marine, designed the tug classed by ABS.
Also, the tug has a Cyber Secure 1 notation to safeguard the asset from growing cyber threats faced by the marine and offshore industry, Sembcorp Marine said.
According to Sembcorp Marine, JMS Sunshine runs on pure LNG fuel with a sizable energy storage system based on Lithium-ion battery.
This system allows emission-free operation of the tug during idling and low speed transit, it said.
“It is capable of taking over the energy needs if a spike in power is warranted, and comes equipped with a “take-me-home” reserve capacity to ensure safe return of the tug in the event of engine failure,” Sembcorp Marine said.
Back in 2020, ABB said it was providing electric propulsion, storage and other technology for the hybrid tug.
When delivered, JMS Sunshine will work in Sembcorp Marine yards for ship maneuvering, mooring ,and unmooring operations.
It can also be deployed by ship operators to escort vessels within Singapore port limits, Sembcorp Marine said.