MarAd awards $450,000 to create hybrid tug

The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Maritime Administration:

(WASHINGTON) — The Maritime Administration (MarAd) has announced a $450,000 grant to AEP River Operations of St. Louis, Mo., to modify M/V Christopher Parsonage into a fuel-efficient hybrid vessel that conserves fuel and reduces harmful vessel emissions. 

The modification will provide the 180-foot tugboat, which operates along the lower Mississippi River, with a hybrid generator set attached to the main engine that will provide auxiliary power, which would normally be produced from the diesel generator.

MarAd will use the test results from this project to support further work related to vessel air emissions, energy conservation and efficiency. The study is expected to be completed by 2017. 

By Professional Mariner Staff