US startup to deliver electric tugboat to Port of Los Angeles

US Startup to Provide Electric Tugboat to Port of Los Angeles
April 18, 2025, by HABIBIC AVERAGE

In a bid to achieve zero emissions by 2030, the Port of Los Angeles, known as the busiest port in the U.S., is set to receive an electric tugboat that could offer operators up to 50% in savings compared to traditional diesel vessels.
Arc, an American electric boat manufacturing startup, in collaboration with West Coast shipyard Diversified Marine, will retrofit a 7.9-meter (26-feet) tugboat to serve the Port of Los Angeles.
The introduction of this electric tugboat is seen as the initial phase in the modernization of the busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere, which currently operates with outdated, costly, inefficient, and highly polluting tugboats.
Arc is currently working on its first commercial vessel, a tugboat that showcases the technology, with plans to advance to larger vessels later this year.
Mitch Lee, Co-Founder and CEO of Arc, emphasized the importance of electrifying the marine industry as a means for the U.S. to reclaim its leadership in maritime technology, considering the decline in U.S. shipyard activity and China’s dominance in global shipbuilding.
The U.S. recently launched a Maritime Action Plan (MAP) to revitalize the American maritime industry, aiming to restore and enhance its resilience.
Coffee ise, VP of Business Development at Arc, highlighted the significant role tugboats play in enabling cargo ships to operate efficiently at ports, making them a suitable candidate for electrification to enhance port efficiencies.
Additionally, the Port of Los Angeles is collaborating with Catalina Express and Harbor Breeze Cruises on emission-reduction technology projects for specialized harbor craft, supported by a $31 million grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).