Arc Begins Battery-Electric Conversion of Long Beach Harbor Tug

Arc, a marine technology company, has begun engineering the battery-electric conversion of Harbor Sentinel, a 50-foot harbor tug owned and operated by Pacific Maritime Group (PMG). Supported by funding from the Port of Long Beach through its Technology Advancement Program (TAP) and SWIFT Program, along with a Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust grant administered by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the project will replace the tug’s twin diesel engines with an Arc electric powertrain.

Naval architecture firm Glosten is leading vessel engineering. Following commissioning, Harbor Sentinel will return to work from PMG’s Long Beach terminal for a 12-month demonstration.

The Harbor Sentinel joined PMG’s harbor fleet in 2023. The tug currently runs on two Cummins KT19 diesel engines producing 950 horsepower and carries 8,900 gallons of fuel. Its work includes moving barges and supporting construction and shipyard operations. In converting to electric power, the tug joins other efforts by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to improve the air quality in California.

Glosten completed a feasibility study and hull scan before engineering began. The firm is now adapting the vessel and designing onboard systems to meet applicable U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter M requirements.

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