Incat Crowther has been selected by Port Houston in the US to design a new hybrid electric vessel for the port’s Houston Ship Channel tours.
Incat Crowther will partner with Louisiana-based shipbuilder Breaux Brothers on the project, meaning the new vessel will be both designed and constructed in the US. The new 22m vessel will replace the near 70-year-old Sam Houston, which has been servicing the tourism route since the port began offering tours in 1958. The vessel will be capable of operating in an all-electric, battery-powered mode during regular two-hour educational tours, and will be charged via a bespoke shoreside connection using AC/DC converters. Operational flexibility has been enhanced through the inclusion of back-up generators that can extend the range of the vessel if needed.
Offering comfortable seating for 150 passengers across two decks, the new vessel’s electric propulsion system will provide a quiet experience touring the Houston Ship Channel.
Charlie Jenkins, CEO Port Houston, said: “More than 2m people have taken our boat tour to see Houston’s vast maritime activity first-hand. It’s a unique experience that we are proud to provide. We are excited to partner with Incat Crowther and Breaux Brothers on a new, low-emission vessel that will reduce the carbon footprint of our tour while offering guests a truly memorable experience.”
Incat Crowther North America MD Grant Pecoraro added: “This vessel demonstrates that modern electric propulsion technology can provide both increased operational efficiency and flexibility, while offering an elevated customer experience. We’re pleased to be partnering with Breaux Brothers to deliver a cutting-edge solution tailored to Port Houston’s operational needs.”
Construction on the new vessel is set to begin in the second half of 2025, with the vessel expected to enter service by late 2026.
The new vessel will have two 265kW propulsion motors driving FP propellers through Twin Disc MGE-5065 SC gearboxes.
Two Cat C9.3 300 kW gensets provide backup power to the 768kW battery.
Image: Rendering of new Port Houston electric tour vessel (credit: Incat Crowther)
