Japan Launches First Hydrogen-Powered Tugboat for Green Maritime Innovation
Key Ideas
- Japan's Tsuneishi Shipbuilding launched the country's first hydrogen-powered tugboat under The Nippon Foundation's Zero Emission Ships Project.
- The 38-meter-long tugboat features twin 12-cylinder hydrogen-blended engines, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 60% compared to traditional vessels.
- The vessel can store 250 kg of high-pressure hydrogen gas for operation and is built with green steel material, contributing to a 100% emissions reduction from steel production.
- Tsuneishi Shipbuilding aims to achieve carbon neutrality by developing new fuel vessels like methanol, LNG, and hydrogen-fueled vessels, showcasing commitment to decarbonization in the maritime industry.
Japan's Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has launched the nation's inaugural tugboat powered by hydrogen, marking a significant step in green maritime innovation. The 38-meter-long vessel, fashioned as part of The Nippon Foundation's Zero Emission Ships Project, stands out with its twin 12-cylinder hydrogen-blended engines that effectively lower CO2 emissions by around 60% in comparison to conventional tugboats. Equipped to store 250 kg of high-pressure hydrogen gas, the tugboat ensures operational performance akin to traditional fuel usage, bolstering safety measures in case of hydrogen fuel system malfunctions.
Noteworthy is the vessel's construction using JGreeX, an eco-friendly steel material that has notably curbed CO2 emissions. Nishijima Takanori, General Manager at Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, expressed pride in the fruition of the hydrogen-fueled tugboat and highlighted the company's intent to leverage expertise in constructing similar high-powered fuel vessels. With a commitment to carbon neutrality, the shipbuilder is actively engaged in developing new fuel vessels, including methanol, LNG, and hydrogen models, as part of a comprehensive strategy to advance decarbonization in the maritime sector.
Furthermore, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding's collaboration with Belgian shipowner CMB.TECH led to the establishment of a research & development center dedicated to advancing hydrogen technology. The center's focus on introducing hydrogen engines for ships and heavy-duty land applications signals a promising future for integrating hydrogen propulsion in Tsuneishi-built vessels, showcasing a progressive stance towards sustainable maritime practices.
Topics
Power
Renewable Energy
Green Technology
Maritime Industry
Carbon Neutrality
Sustainable Innovation
Shipbuilding
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