- Arc signed a $160 million deal with Curtin Maritime to deliver hybrid-electric ship assist tugboats, the largest commercial deployment of electric workboats in marine industry history.
- The first four tugboats, designed with Arc’s electric powertrains and Curtin’s operational expertise, are set for delivery by 2027.
- The project, fully backed by private investment, demonstrates the competitiveness of hybrid-electric vessels against diesel counterparts while reducing costs and emissions.
Arc, a Los Angeles-based electric boat company, announced a landmark $160 million contract with Curtin Maritime for a fleet of hybrid-electric ship assist tugboats. Built in collaboration with Snow & Co shipyard, the project marks the largest commercial deployment of electric workboats in the marine sector. The first four tugboats are scheduled for delivery before the end of 2027.
Advanced Design and Performance
Each tugboat will feature Arc’s vertically integrated electric powertrains, capable of delivering more than 4,000 horsepower and supported by a 6 megawatt-hour battery buffer. Designed in close cooperation with Curtin Maritime’s decades of experience, the vessels are tailored to withstand demanding port operations. By combining Arc’s propulsion technology with Curtin’s operational expertise, the fleet is set to redefine efficiency, reliability, and capability in U.S. ports.
Business Case for Hybrid-Electric Workboats
The project is fully funded by private investment, highlighting the strong commercial viability of hybrid-electric vessels. Vertical integration enables Arc to produce powertrains that are directly competitive with diesel-powered boats while offering significant reductions in operating costs, heavy maintenance, and downtime. Arc’s CEO Mitch Lee emphasized that tugboats, critical to national supply chains and defense logistics, must transition away from outdated diesel engines toward modern, reliable, and efficient power systems.
Driving Industry Transformation
This milestone builds on Arc’s success in the recreational boating sector with models such as the Arc One, Arc Sport, and Arc Coast. The company’s long-term vision is to power every segment of the marine market, from ports and harbors to offshore operations. Curtin Maritime’s CEO Martin Curtin reinforced this shared commitment, noting that the partnership will deliver a smarter, low-maintenance fleet capable of driving cost savings and operational efficiency while setting a new standard for innovation in U.S. shipping.
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Source: American Journal of Transportation
