K Line subsidiary to build second electric tugboat

Japanese shipping company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line), through its subsidiary Daito Corporation, plans to build a second battery-powered electric tugboat.

IMAGE: Daito Corporation’s EV Tugboat No. 2. K Line

Tugboats are compact but highly powerful vessels that assist larger ships by towing or maneuvering them in harbours, rivers and canals.

While the emissions reductions from electric tugboats alone are expected to be modest, the project is intended to generate technical and operational expertise that could help accelerate the development of larger battery-powered vessels in the future.

The new vessel, named EV Tugboat No. 2, will be equipped with a battery-powered propulsion system that will also supply onboard electrical power.

Construction will be carried out by Hongawara Shipyard. Kawasaki Heavy Industries will supply and integrate the propulsion and control systems, while Toa Corporation will design and install the shoreside charging infrastructure.

The tugboat is scheduled for completion in July 2028. Once delivered, it will operate alongside EV Tugboat No. 1, which is due to enter service earlier, providing towage services for ships calling at ports in Tokyo Bay.

The project is backed by Japan's Innovative Navigation Efficiency and Transition to Non-Fossil Energy for Coastal Shipping programme, jointly administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

By Tuhin Roy

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