• June 22, 2021
• Coastal, News

As sustainability requirements become more important in California and other ports while containerships become larger, the 94-tons bollard pull Apollo, operating on biofuel, will be well-suited for the Bay Area market. [Image: Diversified Marine]

Crowley Maritime Corporation’s ship assist and harbor escort services group has taken delivery of Apollo, a powerful and maneuverable 78-foot long tugboat that delivers an estimated 94 tons of bollard pull and will operate on biofuel.

The tugboat has completed final outfitting at shipbuilder Diversified Marine Inc. in Portland, Ore., and will deploy soon to serve the San Francisco Bay. The Apollo, and sister tug operated by Crowley,Hercules, were designed by Robert Allan Ltd. to be the most powerful tugs in the U.S. under 80 foot long.

As sustainability requirements become more important in California and other ports while container ships become larger, Apollo will be well-suited for the Bay Area market. Operating on biofuel, the vessel’s fuel-efficient and lower carbon footprint results from a pair of Caterpillar Marine 3516 Tier IV-compliant engines that meet federal mandates and the State of California’s environmental regulations.

“With all the congestion in the ports of California, performance is a No. 1 concern for customers. Crowley’s newest tug will continue to make harbor escort and ship assist efficient for ship operators while meeting and exceeding current demands for sustainability,” said Crowley Vice President Paul Manzi. “Maneuverability improves safety and allows for more efficient service.”

“With Apollo, we have a rare mix of high performance with an efficient design with lower carbon footprint. It’s leading the way in California and showing the industry what’s possible in light of the sustainability push that’s taking place,” he added.