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The Carolyn Dorothy, the original hybrid tugboat that debuted in 2009. The same company that built it has plans for a second vessel. Photo courtesy Port of Long Beach

4:00pm | One of the advancements that the Port of Long Beach most often brings up when pointing to their environmentally-friendly efforts is the use of a hybrid tugboat, called the Carolyn Dorothy, that was put into use in 2009. Thanks to a $1 million grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the Port will be able to add another such vessel to their fleet.

The original hybrid tugboat was constructed by Foss Maritime Company, and the grant will allow them to produce another just like it. Foss will retrofit a conventional dolphin tug called the Campbell Foss with motor generators, batteries and new control systems with the goal of reducing emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency.

“When the Air Resources Board asked for proposals to retrofit existing vessels with cutting-edge hybrid technology, we knew we wanted to partner with Foss again," said the Port's Director of Environmental Planning Richard Cameron, in a press release. “We believe the retrofit will be the next step in hybrid technology evolution.”

Port statistics estimate that the move will annually reduce diesel particulate matter by 1.7 tons, carbon dioxide by 1,340 tons while saving 100,000 gallons of gasoline. These statistics are, of course, dwarfed by the emissions produced by massive supertankers each year, but the Port has also taken measures to reduce that pollution by offering electrical docking and reducing the harbor speed limit. It's not perfect, but it's a step in the right direction.

The original Carolyn Dorothy was built as a hybrid from scratch, unlike the new craft that will be retrofitted from its previous life as a conventional tugboat. Foss Maritime Company says they have extensive plans to produce more hybrid tugs as demand for the technology grows.

“At Foss, we have a ‘zero trace’ corporate goal and a commitment to give our customers the highest level of service,” said Foss Vice President of Environmental and Governmental Affairs Susan Hayman, in a press release.

“Making use of cost-effective hybrid technology is an important part of our strategy as it allows us to use best-in-class, advanced technology to serve our customers and manage our expenses over the long term while safeguarding the environment at the same time. We have an unprecedented opportunity to transition harbor tugs around the world to vessels that deliver cleaner air and greater fuel efficiency. "

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