Japan’s First Hydrogen Dual-Fuel Tugboat To Cut CO₂ Emissions By 60%

Japanese shipbuilding company TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING has launched the country’s first tugboat equipped with a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine.

The vessel, introduced on March 28, 2025, at the company’s TSUNEISHI Factory in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, is designed to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining high power output.

It is part of The Nippon Foundation’s “Zero Emission Ships Project,” which promotes the development of vessels with minimal environmental impact.

The tugboat is expected to cut CO₂ emissions by about 60% compared to traditional tugboats by integrating hydrogen fuels.

Tugboats assist large vessels in maneuvering through ports, requiring both agility and power. The new tugboat features twin 12-cylinder hydrogen-blended engines, delivering a combined 4,400 horsepower.

It is also equipped with a high-pressure hydrogen gas storage system capable of holding approximately 250 kg of hydrogen, ensuring uninterrupted operations.

Hydrogen Dual-Fuelled Tugboat — Image Credits: tsuneishi

A key feature of the vessel is its dual-fuel capability. If the hydrogen fuel system encounters an issue, the tugboat can continue operating using conventional marine fuels without compromising safety or performance.

Beyond its innovative fuel system, the vessel incorporates “JGreeX” steel, developed by JFE Steel Corporation, for its entire hull. This eco-friendly steel reduces CO₂ emissions by offsetting the carbon produced during manufacturing.

The ship achieves a 100% reduction in steel-related emissions by using JGreeX.

TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING is actively developing alternative-fuel vessels, including those powered by hydrogen, LNG and methanol.

A senior official from the company’s Design Division said that the experience gained from building this tugboat will be applied to future sustainable shipbuilding projects.

Reference: tsuneishi

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