Curtin Maritime Initiates Electric Tugboats Charging Infrastructure at Port of Los Angeles

Curtin Maritime Partners with Motive Energy for Innovative Electric Tugboat Charging Infrastructure

In a significant step towards sustainable marine operations, Curtin Maritime has chosen Motive Energy to spearhead the design and installation of advanced charging infrastructure for its upcoming fleet of electric tugboats at the Port of Los Angeles. This development marks a pioneering endeavor in the United States, being one of the first large-scale, purpose-built charging stations dedicated to commercial marine operations.

The ambitious project aims to enhance the operational efficiency and environmental performance of electric tugboats by integrating state-of-the-art technology tailored for rapid turnaround and multi-port charging capabilities. The charging infrastructure will be supported by four high-capacity charging systems, each with a capacity of 1 megawatt. These systems are specifically engineered to withstand the rigorous demands of the marine environment, ensuring fast and reliable energy supply to vessels.

Advanced Charging Systems Designed for Port Operations

These innovative charging systems deliver high-voltage direct current (DC) output, which is essential for accommodating the diverse needs of electric tugboats. The design includes advanced cable-handling features to enable seamless operations at the waterfront. By allowing simultaneous charging for multiple vessels, this system ensures Curtin Maritime can maintain consistent operational schedules without compromising on performance.

Central to this infrastructure is a robust 10-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system (BESS). This system plays a crucial role in optimizing energy availability and reducing peak demand on the electric grid. It not only enhances operational resilience but also contributes to the overall sustainability of port operations. The entire setup will be implemented on a barge-based platform, which will connect to new onshore utility services, guaranteeing compliance with the stringent requirements of marine operations.

As part of the project, Motive Energy is also looking into the integration of solar power resources to further decrease long-term emissions and support environmental sustainability goals, pending necessary reviews and approvals from the Port of Los Angeles.

Commitment to Sustainable Marine Operations

Bob Istwan, CEO of Motive Energy, expressed his enthusiasm about this partnership, stating, “It’s an honor to collaborate with Curtin Maritime as they embrace the next wave of sustainable marine operations. There’s a growing demand for clean maritime solutions, and this project sets a precedent for how advanced energy infrastructure can enable this transition.”

Similarly, Jeffrey Rome, Executive Vice President at Motive Energy, highlighted the meticulous planning involved in this deployment. He remarked, “Maintaining electric tugboats under real-time port conditions requires more than just installation; it necessitates an integrated approach that ensures reliable power sustenance without disrupting ongoing operations.”

On the other side, Curtin Maritime underlined how pivotal this new charging infrastructure is to their operational strategy. Martin Curtin, the CEO, noted, “Investing in this advanced charging system is key to developing a cleaner and more efficient fleet of tugboats. The expertise from Motive Energy ensures the high performance and adaptability necessary for continuous marine operations here at the Port of Los Angeles.”

The collaboration between Curtin Maritime and Motive Energy not only showcases innovation in marine technology but also aligns with broader regional initiatives aimed at advancing clean maritime solutions. As the project progresses, additional milestones are anticipated, pending engineering reviews and stakeholder approvals.

About the Companies

Motive Energy is at the forefront of delivering sustainable energy solutions, offering a range of services that encompass solar energy, storage capabilities, and electric vehicle charging systems designed to promote energy independence and resilience. Their commitment to innovation makes them a leader in the transition towards cleaner energy systems.

Curtin Maritime, established as a dynamic U.S.-based marine solutions provider, is renowned for its agility and commitment to revolutionizing the marine industry's operational standards. Their innovative approaches place them at the helm of modernizing marine operations for a sustainable future.

This project sets a noteworthy example of how collaborations in the maritime industry can lead to impactful advancements in sustainability and operational efficiency.