Tsuneishi Shipbuilding launched Japan’s first tug to be equipped with a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine on March 28, 2025.
The vessel is equipped with a high-power output hydrogen dual-fuel 3,300kW (4,400hp) engine and a high-pressure hydrogen gas storage system with high capacity and supply.
"We have successfully launched our first hydrogen-fuelled tugboat," said Nishijima Takanori, General Manager of the design division and Managing Executive Officer of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co.
"We will utilise the know-how and design processes we have developed in the construction of hydrogen-fuelled tugboats, which require high power, in the construction of further new fuel vessels.
"Our company is working to achieve carbon neutrality by developing and constructing new fuel vessels such as methanol-fuelled, LNG-fuelled and hydrogen-fuelled vessels, making use of group synergies.
"Tsuneishi Shipbuilding will continue to contribute to the decarbonisation of the maritime industry through a multifaceted approach to the development and construction of new fuel vessels, and the utilisation of green steel materials."