California port receives first hybrid-electric tugboat

[depakid]

The world's first hybrid-electric tugboat has arrived at the Port of Long Beach. The 78-foot vessel was unveiled Friday by its makers, Foss Maritime Co. of Seattle.

The company says its green-and-white, diesel-electric tug, named the Carolyn Dorothy, can perform the same as a traditional tug, but with 44 percent less pollution. The tug doesn't consume diesel during down time and emits less fumes during routine operations.

Under an agreement with the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, the tug will undergo six months of testing and evaluation. After that, it will be operated in both ports for at least another five years.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/california_port_receives_first.html

More on the vessel- with pics!

http://www.foss.com/environment_hybridtug.html

[roody]

1. I'm waiting for a diesel hybrid VW.

[DCKit]

2. Only if they do it right and put a smaller engine in it.

A three cylinder TDI 1.3-1.5l plug-in hybrid (extra batteries) would do it for me.

PBS replayed Motorweek's hybrid matchup again today, and I was very disappointed to learn that, with the exception of the Prius, nearly all the others are using a 2.4l engine - seriously oversized when coupled to a hybrid drive. Sure they have great acceleration, but most people wishing to buy for environmental reasons want higher mpgs, not a dragster.