Japan's First Hydrogen-Powered Tugboat Launched in Hiroshima
Key Ideas
  • Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. has launched Japan's first tugboat with a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine at TSUNEISHI Factory in Fukuyama, Hiroshima.
  • The vessel utilizes a hydrogen dual-fuel ICE and high-pressure hydrogen gas storage system to reduce environmental impact, aiming for a 60% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional tugboats.
  • The tugboat is part of The Nippon Foundation's 'Zero Emission Ships Project,' contributing to cleaner and more sustainable maritime operations by using green steel and innovative hydrogen technology.
  • The success of this project opens up possibilities for further development of hydrogen-fueled vessels, leveraging the expertise gained in constructing high-power tugboats for a more sustainable maritime industry.
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. has unveiled Japan's inaugural hydrogen-powered tugboat at the TSUNEISHI Factory in Fukuyama, Hiroshima. This groundbreaking vessel is equipped with a hydrogen dual-fuel internal combustion engine (ICE) and a high-pressure hydrogen gas storage system, all aimed at minimizing its environmental footprint. By incorporating 'JGreeX' green steel from JFE Steel Corporation, the tugboat seeks to reduce CO₂ emissions significantly. The project is part of The Nippon Foundation's 'Zero Emission Ships Project,' striving for vessels with no CO₂ emissions. With twin 12-cylinder hydrogen-blended engines offering 4,400 horsepower, and using hydrogen alongside traditional marine fuels, the tugboat aims for a substantial 60% decrease in CO₂ emissions compared to regular tugboats while storing 250kg of high-pressure hydrogen gas. Nishijima Takanori, from Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., highlighted the transferable expertise from this venture to future hydrogen-fueled vessel constructions, emphasizing the company's commitment to sustainable maritime solutions. This achievement follows the recent success of the world's first commercial ammonia-fueled tugboat, Sakigake, demonstrating a remarkable 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions during its three-month trial voyage, showcasing the industry's strides towards cleaner energy sources and reduced environmental impact.
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