Image credit Arc Boats.

Port Electrification Series, Part 5

We began this series with a look at the driving forces behind decarbonization efforts at the Port of Los Angeles. Next, we explored what this goal would mean for the port’s operations, from creating electrified tugboats to charging them with the necessary power to meet the rigorous schedules of harbor operations. Now, we conclude this series with a closer look at the electrified tugboats that are making these goals a reality.

Effecting change in maritime operations requires more than just vision and ambition. It requires engineering, infrastructure, and collaboration between vessel operators and energy providers. Efforts to reduce emissions at the Port of Los Angeles have led to a collaboration among the first of its kind, combining industrial-scale charging capabilities with next-generation electric harbor assist vehicles to make electrification on the water a reality.

Motive Energy is proud to have partnered with Curtin Maritime, Arc Boats, and Snow & Company in these efforts. Together, we’re working to develop the necessary equipment to power and sustain an all-new electric tugboat fleet in one of the busiest ports in the world.

Introducing a New Wave of Electric Tugboats

Curtin Maritime has signed a $160 million contract with Arc Boats to build one of the largest commercial deployments of electric workboats in marine industry history.

The fleet is being designed with Arc’s advanced electric propulsion in close collaboration with Curtin Maritime to ensure real-world performance.

The Boats, By the Numbers

• 19 steel modules, each built separately
• Over 160 tons of steel in the hull alone
• 2 independent lithium battery systems inside the hull
• A total battery capacity equal to 80 EV batteries
• 4,000 horsepower
• 55 tons of bollard pull
• 8 total ship assist tugboats

Image credit Arc Boats.

Powering the Next Generation of Port Operations

Motive Energy’s Sustainable Solutions division was selected to deliver megawatt charging on the water for this electric tug fleet, based on its expertise in innovative commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. Charging safely and reliably in a marine environment requires more than a large charger; it requires a fully integrated energy system.

Motive has developed a barge-based charging platform designed specifically for marine operations. This system will support four 1-megawatt high-capacity charging systems (MCS) capable of delivering high-voltage DC power while accommodating the demanding duty cycles and fast turnaround requirements of harbor assist operations. The barge platform integrates transformers, switchgear, and power-conversion equipment engineered to withstand salt air, constant vessel movement, heavy-duty cable handling, and other conditions inherent to a waterfront operation.

At the center of the deployment is a 10 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) that optimizes energy availability. Rather than drawing massive amounts of electricity directly from the grid during short charging windows, stored energy can be dispatched as needed, helping to stabilize power delivery, reduce peak grid demand, and maintain reliable charging performance during busy port operations. Pending port approval, planned solar resources may also be implemented to complement the battery system and further reduce lifecycle emissions.

A rendering of the new electric tugs using Motive Energy’s charging systems.

The First Splash: Setting the Stage for Success

In May of 2026, the first in this eight-vessel series entered the water at Snow & Company in Seattle, Washington. This electric tugboat, Tuuli C, will next have its batteries and powertrain integrated, followed by sea trials in the fall and eventual implementation in the Port of Long Beach with Curtin Maritime.

As ports across the country pursue cleaner operations, collaborations like this are working to make electrification a reality on the water. Vessel operators and energy infrastructure providers aren’t just aspiring toward decarbonization, but innovating to build that future together, and this is only the beginning of Curtin Maritime, Arc Boats, Snow & Company, and Motive Energy’s story.