Japanese Partnership Launches Electric Tugboat
Tugboat operator Tokyo Kisen and e5 Lab have jointly developed the new concept design of “e5 Tug,” electric propulsion harbour tugboat.
The tug is equipped with a propulsion system running on the e5 powertrain platform, which utilises a large-capacity battery system as a main power source and a hydrogen fuel cell and generator as the auxiliary power source. This will ensure there is sufficient bollard pull and the continuous cruising time necessary for a harbour tugboat. The hydrogen fuel cell ensures that CO2 emissions are minimised.
The partnership is in consultation with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, ClassNK, and others, for the regulatory compliance. The aim is to launch the tug for commercial operations at Yokohama Port and Kawasaki Port in 2022.