Marine Group Boat Works Leads the Charge Toward Zero-Emission Maritime Solutions

Marine Group Boat Works (MGBW), a family-owned shipyard based in Chula Vista, has taken a significant step toward sustainable maritime innovation with the successful electrification of its diesel-powered harbor tug, MARCO V. This milestone marks the first time a truckable tug has been retrofitted with a fully integrated electric propulsion system in San Diego. Image courtesy of Marine Group Boat Works Used primarily for towing vessels to and from boat lift piers and for transporting crew members, MARCO V now operates on a zero-emission electric system that delivers horsepower and torque comparable to traditional diesel engines. The tug runs approximately 80 hours per month, and with its new system, each hour logged now avoids the environmental impact of diesel emissions. According to Todd Roberts, President of Marine Group Boat Works, the vessel is powered by two Torqeedo Deep Blue 100i direct drive motors paired with six Torqeedo Deep Blue 80 kWh batteries. These components were carefully selected through rigorous engineering evaluations to ensure the vessel could meet operational demands without compromise. Image courtesy of Marine Group Boat Works MARCO V relies on a total of 480 kWh of battery capacity, which connects directly to the boatyard’s...