TSUNEISHI Delivered the Japan’s First Hydrogen Dual-Fuelled Tugboat
TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. (Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan) has delivered “TEN-OH” as Japan’s first tugboat equipped with a BEH2YDRO hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) on 15 October 2025 at the TSUNEISHI Factory.
The tugboat is equipped with a BEH2YDRO high-output hydrogen dual-fuelled ICE and a high-pressure hydrogen gas storage system with large-capacity and supply system, supplied by JPNH2YDRO — a joint venture between TSUNEISHI Group and CMB.TECH.
Hydrogen fuel is a clean fuel which emits no carbon dioxide when burned and is regarded as a key contributor to achieving carbon neutrality. This vessel was developed and built under The Nippon Foundation’s “Zero Emission Ships Project”, which aims to develop vessels with zero CO₂ emissions.
Tugboats play a vital role in assisting large vessels to safely and smoothly manoeuvre when entering or leaving port. For this reason, they must combine high manoeuvrability with strong engine output. The newly delivered tugboat is powered by twin 12-cylinder hydrogen-blended engines (4,400 horsepower class) and stores around 250kg of hydrogen in high-pressure tanks. This ensures operational performance equivalent to conventional fuel use, whilst enabling significant CO2 reductions. In the unlikely event of a hydrogen fuel system failure, the vessel can continue to operate solely on marine fuel, maintaining safety as the same standard as conventional vessels.
TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING will continue to promote the development and construction of next-generation fuel vessels, contributing to the realisation of a decarbonised society.
Message from the President
Mr OKUMURA Sachio, Representative Director, President & Executive Officer of TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. commented:
It is a great honour to deliver Japan’s first hydrogen dual-fuelled tugboat.
“Across our domestic and overseas operations, we are developing vessels powered by next-generation fuels such as methanol and LNG. By building on the expertise gained through this project and leveraging the collective strength of the Group, we will continue to drive innovation and contribute to a more sustainable future for the maritime industry.”
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TSUNEISHI Delivered the Japan’s First Hydrogen Dual-Fuelled Tugboat, source
