All American Marine (AAM), Bellingham, Wash., has delivered a new 108'x32.5' hybrid passenger vessel to Harbor Breeze Cruises, Long Beach, Calif., following successful sea trials. The El Escudo will operate in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, serving harbor tours, whale watching cruises, and special event dining operations.
Designed by Teknicraft Design, led by Nic de Waal, AAM said the vessel incorporates a parallel hybrid propulsion architecture that allows the vessel to operate in zero-emissions mode during low-speed harbor operations. AAM noted the aluminum monohull meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 and California Air Resources Board emissions standards.
The propulsion package combines selective catalytic reduction and diesel particulate filter systems with a hybrid battery propulsion system supplied by ABB. The system includes twin 300-kW electric traction motors and a 588-kW BorgWarner energy storage system, enabling zero-emissions operation during harbor tours and port transits, AAM said in a statement.
The vessel is powered by twin MAN D2862 EPA Tier 4 diesel engines supplied by Northern Lights. The engines drive fixed-pitch propellers through remotely mounted Reintjes gearboxes supplied by Karl Senner Inc.
According to AAM, the vessel can operate in four propulsion modes: conventional diesel propulsion, fully electric propulsion, underway battery charging, and shoreside battery charging.
Funding support for the project was provided through CARB’s Advanced Technology Demonstration and Pilot Projects grant under the Los Angeles Marine Emission Reduction Project, administered by the Port of Los Angeles.
According to AAM, El Escudo is a first-of-its-kind multi-purpose monohull operating as a U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter K passenger vessel certified for limited coastwise service. The vessel is equipped with data collection and monitoring systems intended to support operational analysis and emissions tracking.
The vessel has capacity for up to 350 passengers and features multiple passenger decks and a stadium-style bow seating area designed to improve visibility for sightseeing and whale watch operations. Exterior and interior styling were provided by Italian design firm Studio Sculli.
Harbor Breeze Cruises previously worked with AAM on the construction of the passenger vessels Triumphant and La Espada.
AAM president Ron Wille noted, “This propulsion package represents a first for a U.S. passenger vessel of this type and delivers both low and zero-emissions capabilities without sacrificing operational range or flexibility. We’re excited to support Harbor Breeze Cruises as the vessel enters full service.”
