Japan Launches World’s 1st Hydrogen Dual-Fuel Tugboat | Tsuneishi Leads Marine Decarbonization

The world marines market saw something of a coming-of-age in December 2023 when Japanese shipbuilder Tsuneishi Shipbuilding launched the very first tug with its power sulfur-capable molecular natural gas injected, which led Saigyo’ s demonstration from Norway to Japan. The award winning single sitter, which can be powered by hydrogen and traditional fuels represents an important milestone in global environmental initiatives to curb pollution emissions from fossil fuel burning vehicles. The adoption of this clean and green zero-emission technology is not going to improve Japan’s national hydrogen strategy, but also enabling the country led by their parliament as a leader in sustainability advances.

World’s First Hydrogen Dual-Fuel Tugboat

The tugboat is not a proof of concept, but rather an example that the practical use of hydrogen fuel cells and also dual-fuel technology with hydrogen can work even in one of perhaps most hostile environments on our planet: marine operation. Japan, with its rich shipbuilding history and maritime prowess conducts such initiatives that will lay down a path for the future where depleting environmental impact in marine transport is achieved.

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, based in Fukuyama (established 1917) Japan. Moreover, a company which is known for its efficiency and reliability has recently welcomed emergent technology solutions such as hydrogen dual-fuel engines along with other clean energy innovations. The launch of the new tugboat is another demonstration of Japan’s overall dedication to ensuring maritime sector decarbonisation.

 

The attention-grabbing part is their distinct diesel engine, adapted to switch back and forth between hydrogen, electricity and plain ol’ fuel. These dual-fuel capabilities also mean that, using traditional means of propulsion if necessary in low-hydrogen scenarios to ensure continued operations. The engine upgrades, meanwhile, consist of high-pressure fuel injection systems as well as specially engineered combustion chambers to ensure reliable and safe operation on hydrogen dual-fuel.

 

Expected further technical specifications and the specific model of engine used remain unconfirmed, however this project appears to be a key intermediary milestone for zero-emission technology than more broadly applied at sea. Tsuneishi and its partners are not only at the forefront, but in conjunction with global environmental targets, such as that of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), they also set industry benchmarks for safe/clean hydrogen recirculation utilization while propulsion by ship.

 

source: Hydrogen Fuel News