The Port of Los Angeles to Introduce Electric Tugboat for Zero Emissions by 2030

In a race to reach zero emissions by 2030, the Port of Los Angeles, known as the busiest port in the U.S., is set to welcome an electric tugboat that promises significant savings for operators compared to diesel vessels.

The port will soon be serviced by a 7.9-meter (26-feet) electric tugboat, retrofitted by U.S. electric boat manufacturing startup Arc in collaboration with West Coast shipyard, Diversified Marine.

Arc aims to modernize the Port of Los Angeles, which currently relies on outdated and polluting tugboats that are costly and inefficient, with this innovative electric vessel being the first step in the transformation process.

The company is currently working on its first commercial electric vessel, a truckable tugboat, to refine the technology before moving on to larger vessels later this year.

“Our mission at Arc has always been to electrify the marine industry. This initiative is not only about the environment but also about reclaiming America’s leadership in maritime technology,” said Mitch Lee, Co-Founder, and CEO of Arc.

With the introduction of the Maritime Action Plan (MAP) in the U.S., efforts are being made to revitalize the American maritime industry and regain its competitive edge in shipbuilding, with a focus on modern technologies and sustainability.

Kofi Asante, VP of Business Development at Arc, highlighted the importance of electrifying tugboats to drive efficiencies at ports, emphasizing their vital role in enabling cargo ships to operate smoothly.

In addition to the electric tugboat project, the Port of Los Angeles, along with Catalina Express and Harbor Breeze Cruises, is collaborating on emission-reduction technology demonstration projects for specialized harbor craft, supported by a $31 million grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).