JEMS Maritime Sci. 2025; 13(1): 59-70 | DOI: 10.4274/jems.2025.90912

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Electric Tugboats: A Systematic Review

Nicoleta Acomi¹, Costel Stanca¹, Gabriel Raicu², Gheorghe Surugiu³, Eliza Maria Popa^3
1Constanta Maritime University Faculty of Navigation Maritime Transport, Department of Navigation, Constanta, Romania
²Constanta Maritime University, Constanta, Romania
³Constanta Maritime University Research Center, Constanta, Romania

The maritime industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability and reducing environmental impact, which has generated growing interest in adopting electric propulsion technologies for tugboats to reduce emissions in ports. This study analyses the advantages and disadvantages of electric tugboats through a systematic review conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysesmethodology, complemented by a focus group of industry representatives to validate the results. By synthesising information from forty-two carefully selected studies, the analysis highlights environmental benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower noise pollution, and decreased operational costs. However, the research also identifies significant challenges, such as high initial costs, limited range, and infrastructure requirements for port electrification. The focus group findings confirm these conclusions, providing practical insights into the operational feasibility and potential for large-scale adoption. The study underscores the need to align technological advances with policy incentives to facilitate the sustainable transition of the maritime industry.

Keywords: Electric tugboats, Sustainable maritime industry, Emission reduction, Green technology, Energy efficiency

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