Svitzer’s green tug gets juice from AYK
In Turkey, MarineLog reports Svitzer began building its first battery-methanol tug at Uzmar Shipyard, powered by a 6 MWh battery from AYK Energy and supported by methanol dual-fuel engines, to cut emissions across 25% of its Gothenburg operations.
The tug, based on Svitzer’s TRAnsverse design, will complete over 90% of duties on battery-electric power and is expected to deliver zero-emission services while reducing fuel consumption compared to traditional tugs. With a gross tonnage of 806 tonnes and a top speed of 14 knots, the vessel will operate in the Port of Gothenburg upon delivery.
It is AYK Energy’s first contract with Uzmar and part of a broader trend, as the Andorra-headquartered battery manufacturer expands its footprint across sectors, supplying vessels from tugs to container ships. The 6 MWh battery will be built at AYK’s plant in Zhuhai, China, which opened in 2023 and has a production capacity of 300 MWh per year.
Svitzer’s Gareth Prowse called the project “a significant milestone for our decarbonisation ambitions.” Uzmar CEO A. Noyan Altug said the project integrates “cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices.”
Svitzer’s move signals growing demand for hybrid and fully electric powertrains across towage markets in Europe and beyond.
