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Engineering consulting firm New West Technologies, LLC is looking to develop a hybrid electric tug concept for short in-harbor barge operations in New York Harbour.

The concept is being investigated by through the Electrified Short Sea Shipping Project funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Preliminary project meetings were held with Reinauer Transportation and Moran Towing Corp., who serve the New York City harbor from their Staten Island facilities, to discuss a concept and design that could be incorporated into existing operations.

A preliminary assessment found that a series hybrid electric tug utilizing an energy storage module for all electric propulsion could be the most environmental and economically beneficial technology for short in-harbor barge operations. Therefore, New West Technologies has initiated a technical proof of concept for this proposed design.

This will result in a conceptual design and component list for a series hybrid electric tug with an energy storage module that will aim to offer increased efficiency and have the ability to utilize electricity from the port for some or all of its energy needs.

"While some hybrid systems have been used for marine applications, adding plug-in capability is advancing the technology for displacing more significant amounts of diesel fuel," New West Technologies said in a statement.

US-based New West Technologies will lead the effort using its extensive background in analyzing new transportation technology, which includes a broad array of electric and hybrid power trains for on- and off-road vehicles. They have joined up with ABS Consulting of Hakensack, N.J., Ocean Tug & Barge Engineering of Milford, Mass., and TranTech Marine Co. of Brooklyn.

NYSERDA has invested $140,000 in the project, which would have applications in busy marine commerce areas like New York Harbour, where barges are frequently moved from one terminal to another, or ships need help maneuvering in the tight space.

New West Technologies says it is continuing to seek partners and investors to demonstrate this advanced electric propulsion concept and expand the use of clean-energy technology throughout the marine industry.