AAM delivers CARB-compliant El Escudo to Harbor Breeze Cruises

Purpose-built to serve harbor tours, whale watch cruises, and special event dining experiences throughout the LA/Long Beach area, El Escudo marks a major advance in low-emissions passenger vessel design. Naval architecture was provided by Nic de Waal of Teknicraft Design, which ensured the vessel exceeded EPA Tier 4 and CARB emissions standards through optimized hull efficiency, full integration of advanced exhaust aftertreatment systems, and a design centered around a parallel hybrid propulsion architecture, enabling zero-emissions operation during low speed harbor operations.      El Escudo achieves its operational mission through an integrated propulsion system combining Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) with a parallel hybrid battery propulsion system supplied by ABB. The system features twin 300kW electric traction motors and a 588kW BorgWarner Energy Storage System (ESS), enabling zero-emissions operation during harbor tours and port operations.

The vessel is powered by twin MAN D2862 diesel engines supplied by Northern Lights, driving fixed-pitch propellers through a remotely mounted Reintjes gearbox provided by Karl Senner Inc. The vessel offers four distinct operational modes: conventional diesel propulsion, fully electric zero-emissions propulsion, underway battery charging, and stationary shoreside battery charging. This state-of-the-art propulsion package allows the vessel to achieve substantial emissions reductions while maintaining performance and efficiency for longer routes.      AAM says the El Escudo project serves as a demonstration of the latest commercially available marine technologies and exceeds the most rigorous emissions standards currently in force in North America, including the most recent CARB harbor craft rules. Funding support is provided through CARB’s Advanced Technology Demonstration and Pilot Projects grant for the Los Angeles Marine Emission Reduction (LA MER) Project, administered by the Port of Los Angeles (City of Los Angeles Harbor Department).      The vessel establishes a new benchmark in maritime innovation as a first-of-its-kind, multi-purpose monohull operating as a USCG Subchapter K passenger vessel, certified for “Limited Coastwise” service and outfitted with advanced data collection and monitoring capabilities. Its customized design provides Harbor Breeze Cruises with exceptional operational flexibility while integrating advanced technology throughout the vessel.      The vessel features multiple passenger decks, a custom stadium-style seating platform on the bow, and a total capacity of up to 350 passengers, with enhancements throughout that prioritize comfort, visibility, and the overall guest experience. All American Marine previously built and delivered two vessels for Harbor Breeze Cruises — Triumphant and La Espada — and is continuing its long-standing partnership with the operator. Italian design house Studio Sculli provided the distinctive exterior and interior styling for this next-generation vessel.      “We’re incredibly excited to see El Escudo enter into service,” said Dan Salas, owner and operator, Harbor Breeze Cruises. “All American Marine has already delivered two outstanding vessels for our fleet, and once again they’ve brought our vision to life. This vessel sets a new standard for passenger vessels — not only in design and build quality, but in propulsion technology that truly moves the industry toward a cleaner future.”      “All American Marine and Teknicraft Design are proud to deliver this groundbreaking vessel,” said Ron Wille, president, All American Marine. “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.”