US startup pens $160M deal for deployment of hybrid-electric tugboats

Los Angeles-headquartered electric boat manufacturing startup Arc has inked a $160 million contract with compatriot marine company Curtin Maritime for hybrid-electric ship assist tugboats.

As disclosed, the tugs—part of a privately funded project—are set to be constructed in collaboration with the Snow & Co shipyard. The units, which will reportedly see the “largestcommercial deployment” of electric workboats in the region’s marine industry history, are planned to be delivered by the end of 2027.

Designed in close collaboration with Curtin Maritime, each of the tugboats will be powered by Arc’s vertically integrated electric powertrains, delivering what is estimated to be over 4,000 horsepower and backed by a 6 megawatt-hour battery buffer. The powertrains are expected to minimize operating costs and reduce heavy maintenance burdens.

According to Arc, once completed and delivered, the vessels are expected to improve capability, efficiency, and reliability in United States ports.

“Tugboats are the workhorses of our ports. They’re critical for our national supply chains and defense logistics, yet are largely powered by outdated, unreliable, and harmful diesel engines,”Mitch Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Arc, shared.

Lee further emphasized