San-Francisco-based Baydelta Maritime’s new class of hybrid tug will be the first reference for the Twin Input solution. The 100ft Z-Drive hybrid multi-purpose azimuth stern drive (ASD) tug will be set to sea in early 2019 by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders.
At 90 short tonnes bollard pull, the vessel will feature the same ship assist and tanker escort capabilities of Baydelta’s existing Valor class harbour tugs, but with multiple operational modes. The vessels will also receive Rolls-Royce 424kW electric motors, shaft generators, power management control system and Twin Input US255 azimuth thrusters.
Dual Input provides freedom of choice for power take-in/out speed.
The arrangement provides electric power to two US255 azimuth thrusters with ducted fixed pitch propellers that can be rotated 360 degrees around the vertical axis. This arrangement optimises omni-directional thrust and manoeuvrability as well as providing improved crash stop capability.
Hybrid system for Baydelta 100ft Z drive
Erik Larsen, Rolls-Royce, Vice President – Tug and Fish Americas, says: “Baydelta Maritime is a long-standing customer and this order is of particular significance because it marks our first hybrid system for a tug. The tug will provide improved fuel efficiency and emissions for Baydelta. It shows the market that the Rolls-Royce portfolio extends way beyond our US-type azimuth thrusters – the propulsion system of choice for this segment.