Long Beach port set to vote on hybrid Foss tug
The Port of Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners are scheduled to vote today on a $500,000 contribution to the development of a Foss Maritime hybrid tug that would, according to design specifications, emit dramatically less diesel pollution than current models.
The 5,000-horsepower harbor tug's hybrid system, which is still on the drawing board, would consist of two 3,400-horsepower diesel engines, plus a battery pack, generators, and power-management system. According to The Cunningham Report, players in the development of the hybrid tug have estimated the pollution reduction to be anywhere from 44 percent up to 90 percent for nitrogen oxides and particulates. Fuel consumption would, by various estimates, be cut from 20 percent up to 85 percent.
The hybrid design would turn off the more polluting diesel engine during long idling times and kick in a battery-based electrical power system. Both systems would be used during peak demand, providing the maximum 5,000 horsepower rating.
Another $850,000 for the project is expected to be voted on by the Port of Los Angeles next month. Foss has said the project is a non-starter without the contribution from the two ports, and would only make a go-ahead decision once the port funding is committed.
If funded, and built, the tug would serve the adjacent ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.