TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. has launched the Japan’s first tugboat in Japan to be equipped with a H₂-powered internal combustion engine (hereinafter ICE). This vessel was launched on March 28, 2025, at TSUNEISHI Factory. The vessel is equipped with a high-power output H₂ dual-fueled ICE and a high-pressure H₂ gas storage system with large-capacity and supply. It also used “JGreeX” which are produced by JFE Steel Corporation as green steel for all of its steel plates. By utilizing green steel and H₂ fuel to reduce the environmental impact, we will provide cleaner vessels and contribute to decarbonization.

H₂ fuel is a clean fuel that does not emit CO₂ when burned and is expected to contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality. This vessel was developed and built as part of the Nippon Foundation’s “Zero Emission Ships Project”, which aims to develop vessels with zero CO₂ emissions.

Large vessels have difficulty controlling their steering when they are operating at low speeds, making it difficult to maneuver them smoothly. For this reason, tugboats are used to assist with the steering and propulsion of large vessels when they are leaving or arriving at ports safely and quickly. Therefore, tugboats need to be highly maneuverable and have high engine output. This tugboat is installed with twin 12-cylinder H₂-blended engines (4,400 horsepower class), and by H₂ in combination with traditional marine fuels, with the target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 60% compared to conventional tugboats that use traditional marine fuels.

Furthermore, by having facilities to store approximately 250 kg of high-pressure H₂ gas, it is possible to maintain the same operational performance as when using conventional fuel while also making use of H₂ fuel. In the unlikely event of failure of the H₂ fuel system, the vessel can operate with only traditional marine fuels, thus ensuring the same level of safety as conventional vessels.

In addition, “JGreeX“, which are used for all of the vessel’s hull, is a green steel material that has significantly reduced CO₂ emissions by crediting the steel material with the amount of CO₂ emissions reduced in the steel production process. With the use of “JGreeX”, it contributes to a 100% reduction in CO₂ emissions caused by steel plates.

TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING will continue to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society. We are doing this by taking various approaches to reducing greenhouse gases. These include the development and construction of next-generation fuel vessels and the procurement of green steel materials.

Mr. NISHIJIMA Takanori, from General Manager of the Design Division and Managing Executive Officer of TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. commented, “We have successfully launched our first H₂-fueled tugboat. We will utilize the know-how and design processes we have developed in the construction of H₂-fueled 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-fueled, LNG-fueled and H₂-fueled vessels, making use of group synergies. TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING will continue to contribute to the decarbonization of the maritime industry through a multifaceted approach to the development and construction of new fuel vessels, and the utilization of green steel materials.”