Recently, the design bureau of Russian engineering company Petrobalt unveiled a new concept design for an icebreaking tugboat equipped with a hybrid electric propulsion system.
This tugboat measures 25 meters in length, 6.8 meters in beam, and has a draft of just 1.6 meters. It achieves a service speed of nearly 10 knots and has been certified by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping. Primarily powered by batteries, its diesel generator serves as a backup power source or provides propulsion during complex ice conditions. With fully charged batteries, it can support a full day of operations or travel 100 kilometers.
Designed to break through 40-centimeter-thick ice, this tugboat features an electric propulsion system with frequency adjustment for enhanced maneuverability. Both bow and stern are equipped with fender systems to protect the hull from collision damage during towing operations.
As planned, this hybrid icebreaking tugboat is primarily tasked with towing vessels and floating structures, performing port icebreaking operations, and undertaking limited cargo transport duties.