On April 25th, the historic company, founded in 1913, showcased BB Electra at a reception at Tjuvholmen.
Buksér og Berging provides towing services to every ship in Oslo’s harbor.
BB Electra will operate primarily in the port and inner Oslofjord. As a replacement for the diesel-powered tugboat Bruse, she will reduce CO2 emissions by 220,000 kg, according to Buksér og Berging.
“Our goal is for Port of Oslo to model sustainable port operations and lead by example for national and international ports. The city, port, business community, and stakeholders strive to ensure the port will eventually be emission-free,” says Kjersti Aastad, Oslo City Council Secretary for Culture and Business.
Oslo’s climate strategy for 2030 aims for a city free of greenhouse gas emissions.
“That’s why I’m pleased maritime players are leading the way and developing zero-emission solutions. Buksér og Berging is one example, and we value their pioneering work. Oslo is proud to have Europe’s first electric tugboat!” says Aastad.
Aastad congratulated Buksér og Berging on its foresight.
"Electra, in Sophocles' play, was a kind of ancient Hamlet figure who had to make difficult choices to right the wrongs of previous generations. We wish Buksér og Berging and Electra all the best in its important mission,” says the council secretary.
Based at Sjursøya BB Electra will charge alongside Port of Oslo’s environmental boat, Pelikan 2.
Vetle Sverdrup, CEO of Buksér og Berging, praised the collaboration with Port of Oslo.
“Our job is on the waterways. Therefore, it’s a prerequisite that Port of Oslo builds the charging infrastructure. The port must provide electricity,” says Sverdrup.
The Port of Oslo is systematically providing shore power to every ship segment. To reduce emissions by 85% by 2030, almost all maritime traffic in the harbor will need to use shore power.
“Port of Oslo’s zero-emission plan has driven our investment in an electric tugboat. The plan affects how we, who operate in the harbor, must respond,” says Sverdrup.
Heidi Neilson, Head of Planning and Environment, Port of Oslo, praised Buksér og Berging for its courageous action.
"I have been told that confident owners make brave decisions. Buksér og Berging is a confident owner with clear ambitions, and we need such customers at Port of Oslo,” says Neilson.
Neilson wore a red dress for the occasion to match BB Electra.
“When I see BB Electra, I think of her as the big sister of the rescue boat Elias. She is strong, solid, and can tolerate rough use. Her ability to perform towing and rescue missions without emissions is fantastic. BB Electra is paving the way for the green shift, and we hope she soon has more companions,” says Neilson.
BB Electra completed assignments in inner Oslofjord on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
The project received 12 million NOK in support from Enova.
See the movie about BB Electra here
BB Electra Facts:
- Battery capacity of 1,720 kWh distributed over 304 Corvus batteries.
- Operating time on battery power is 4 hours.
- Dedicated charging station at Sjursøya.
- Charging time from 20-80% is 2.5 hours.
- BB Electra saves over 220,000 kg of CO2 annually, equivalent to emissions from 1,400,000 km of gasoline cars, compared to the tugboat Bruse, currently operating in Port of Oslo.
- Dimensions: Length: 22.2 m, Width: 10.84 m, Draft: 4.80 m.
- Tug force of 48 tons and a maximum speed of 11.8 knots.
- Electric winch can pull 25 tons or hold 125 tons on the brake.
- Equipped for firefighting with two powerful water cannons that spray 1.2 million liters/hour.
- Capability to use a generator with NOx cleaning for extended reach in Oslofjord.
Buksér og Berging Facts:
- Buksér og Berging is a leading tugboat company in the green shift.
- Established in 1913.
- Family-owned and value-driven.
- Headquarters at Lysaker, Norway.
- 450 offshore employees, 30 in administration.
- 35 Norwegian-flagged tugboats and offshore vessels. 20 pilot boat stations along the coast.
- 14 tugboat stations in Norway, Sweden, and the UK.