Arc and Curtin Maritime sign $160 million deal for hybrid electric tugboats

In California, marine technology company Arc announced a $160 million contract with Curtin Maritime to build eight hybrid electric ship assist tugboats in collaboration with Snow & Co shipyard with the first four vessels slated for delivery by the end of 2027.

The tugboats will feature Arc’s vertically integrated electric powertrains, delivering over 4,000 horsepower and powered by a 6 megawatt-hour battery system. Designed jointly with Curtin Maritime, the vessels are tailored for high-performance operation in demanding port conditions. The project is fully backed by private investment and aims to prove that hybrid electric workboats can match diesel-powered counterparts on both price and reliability.

Arc CEO Mitch Lee called the agreement a turning point for the marine industry, noting the need to replace outdated diesel engines in port operations. Curtin Maritime CEO Martin Curtin said the tugs will improve efficiency while cutting maintenance costs. The deal builds on Arc’s experience with recreational electric boats and signals a broader push to electrify all marine sectors, from harbor support to offshore logistics. Both companies see the partnership as a model for scalable clean propulsion in commercial maritime.

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