Electrification, Automation and Efficient Maintenance for Tugboats
The Tugbeam project is a CMDC6-Smart shipping initiative funded by Innovation UK (IUK) and Department for Transportation (DFT). Altra collaborates with Shetland Islands Council, Cranfield University, Front Technologies Ltd, and University College London (UCL) to develop a inport renewable energy generation for E-tugboats, including AI optimised route plan to minimise energy consumption and achieve net zero goals.
The increasing complexity of port operations and the need for sustainable solutions have driven the demand for innovation in maritime logistics. This project seeks to modernise tugboat operations by introducing electrification, automation and efficient maintenance. Traditional tugboats are costly to operate and maintain due to fuel consumption and labor-intensive coordination. Our approach integrates wireless charging technology, advanced route-planning automation, and digital twin systems for enhanced operational oversight. Predictive maintenance will further optimise vessel longevity and reduce downtime. Through this research and development initiative, we aim to examine feasibility of these innovations, and the economic and environmental benefits of smart tugboat fleets. The outcomes of this project will contribute to the UK’s leadership in clean maritime technology, paving the way for future port innovations.
One of the key innovations of this project is the development of a wireless charging system for electric tugboats. This system will allow for efficient and uninterrupted operations by eliminating the need for traditional refueling. Moreover, autonomous navigation technologies will be integrated to improve maneuverability and reduce human error, enhancing safety during berthing operations. In addition, advanced NDT techniques will be employed to provide enhanced structural inspection of tugboat with increased efficiency and accuracy.
Altra in this project will lead to develop a digital twin framework, which creates a virtual representation of the tugboat fleet and its operational environment. This technology enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and enhanced decision-making. By analysing vast amounts of data, we will examine if the electrified and autonomous tugboats can address complex challenges, reduce human efforts and errors, lower maintenance costs, and increase overall operational efficiency. The findings from this initiative will be shared across the maritime sector, contributing to the widespread adoption of automation and data driven decision making.
For more information and progress update please use folloing link https://tugbeam.co.uk/
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