Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has announced that its subsidiary, Daito Corporation, has committed to constructing an electric tugboat powered by a large-capacity lithium-ion battery.
According to K LINE, the new EV tugboat will feature a high-capacity 3.2 MWh battery, charged with green electricity, and will operate with a significant reduction in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared to conventional tugboats that rely on heavy fuel oil engines. The vessel’s energy consumption is further optimized by an innovative hull design and automatic power demand control using advanced IoT technologies.
A signing ceremony for a collaboration agreement regarding the construction of this electric vessel (EV) took place on 8 November, with participation from Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) and Daizo Corporation.
This project is part of the Grant Program for the Promotion of Energy Efficiency and Non-Fossil Energy Transition in the Transportation Sector, an initiative supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. It plays a key role in advancing the environmental objectives of the coastal shipping industry.
The EV tugboat is being built by Daizo, with KHI responsible for providing the control and propulsion systems and overseeing their integration.
The vessel is expected to be completed by May 2027, and it will be used to provide towage services at Yokohama Port and Kawasaki Port, contributing to the development of carbon-neutral ports (CNP) in these regions.
