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China ramps up electric-powered tug construction
Technology tested in the first few battery-electric tugs in China is being used on a new generation of vessels for zero-emissions towage
China has become a key regional builder of battery-electric tugboats, using Chinese technology to optimise energy storage and propulsion, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
The first of the nation’s electric tugs, Yun Gang Dian Tuo 1, was built in 2021 by Lianyungang Port’s own shipyard, Lianyungang Hongyun Industry Co, for zero-emissions operations in the harbour. It was designed by Maric Marine Design and Research Institute of China. This 36-m tug has a beam of 10 m, a hull depth of 5 m, and a draught of 4 m. With 5,160-kWh capacity of batteries on board, it has a reverse drag force of 40 tonnes.
Since its delivery in August 2021, it has been charged more than 570 times and has run for more than 7,000 hours on electric motors, saving more than 725 tonnes of fuel and 2,175 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. It charges at night and operates in the port on average 7.3 hours during the daytime, completing around four towage jobs each day.
This was followed in 2023 by Yun Gang Dian Tuo 2 from the same shipyard. This has a larger battery capacity of 7,224 kWh, 4,030 kW of total power and a reverse drag force of 63 tonnes, making it the most powerful electric tug built at the time. This 39-m tug has a beam of 11 m, a hull depth of 5 m and a draught of 4 m.
Yun Gang Marine Services is the main technology provider for these electric tugs, providing electric and power systems, marine thrusters, lithium-ion batteries and energy management systems.
According to a Yun Gang Marine representative, Yun Gang Dian Tuo 2 is charged from a 6,000-V alternating current (AC) onshore station and this is transformed on board for the direct current (DC) distribution network.
On board there are 32 battery clusters in four compartments located mid-ship to lower its centre of gravity and for protection in case of an accident. These batteries are constantly cooled by a silicon-based oil to prevent thermal runaway. Electrical power drives electric motors on two Sjmatek Maine Machinery’s azimuth thrusters, SLP20A, with fixed-pitch propellers of 2,450 mm diameter.
Both tugs manoeuvre and dock LNG carriers in a terminal in Lianyungang Port along with other conventional tugs.
The company representative says Lianyungang Hongyun Industry is building five more electric tugs, three more for Lianyungang Port, two of 4,030 kW and one of 2,990 kW, plus one of 4,030 kW for Shenzhen Port and one of 2,990 kW for Guangzhou Port – with deliveries starting Q1 2025. All are of Maric design and will have Yun Gang electrical systems and Sjmatek supplies the bridge equipment, controls and propulsion.
Batteries on these tugs would be charged either over a short period or over several hours at night. “Batteries should be charged for longer for optimal performance, as short charges will eventually reduce battery performance,” the company representative tells Riviera. “Developments in battery technology mean they will be more sophisticated and able to fulfil more for all-electric vessels.”
Electric tugs in China are designed by Maric and classed by the nation’s own classification society. Each has a propulsion and energy monitoring system capturing data on variable parameters such as temperature, machinery vibration and power fluctuations. This is analysed and processed for optimal performance and to identify potential issues. “Captured data is used by the battery management system and for preventative and predictive maintenance,” says the company representative.
Other shipyards in China have built tugs with electric and hybrid propulsion. In December 2022, Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyards completed an azimuth stern drive (ASD) tugboat with hybrid propulsion and smart systems. Qing Gang Tuo 1 was delivered to Qingdao Port, with lithium-ion batteries of 2,760 kWh capacity and diesel engines generating 1,912 kW of power – all combined to drive two 600-kW electric motors and azimuth thrusters.
When the diesel engines are engaged, this 39-m vessel has a bollard pull ahead of 61 tonnes and astern of 58 tonnes. When using just the batteries and electric motors, the bollard pull ahead is 25 tonnes and astern is 23 tonnes. This tug has a beam of 11 m, a depth of 5 m and a maximum speed of 11 knots. It can transit for 2.5 hours on batteries alone at a speed of 10 knots. The batteries can be charged fully in around 2.5 hours using shore power and can be charged by the diesel engines.
Qing Gang Tuo 1 is one of the first tugs to have China Classification Society notations i-Ship (N, M, E, I) for autonomous machinery spaces, remote monitoring and intelligent navigation.
In December 2023, Ningbo Oil Handling & Tug (Barge) Co took delivery of ASD tugboat Yonggang Tuo 80, with hybrid propulsion featuring an energy storage system, from Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyards. It has a parallel diesel-electric hybrid propulsion with a total power of 3,680 kW coming from batteries and electric motors supported by a main engine and an energy management system.
Also in 2023, Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding delivered Xia Gang Tuo 30 to Xiamen Port Shipping with hybrid propulsion including two electric-driven steerable thrusters of WST18FP-L with fixed pitch propellers from Wärtsilä.
In Q4 2024, Jiangsu Zhenjiang completed battery-powered ASD tugboat, Ning Gang Dian Tuo 1 for Nanjing Port (Group) Co, becoming the first tug with pure-electric propulsion to operate on the Yangtze River.
It was designed by Zhenjiang Shipyard to have a lithium-iron phosphate battery package, a DC power distribution network and permanent magnet motors driving azimuth thrusters for zero emissions and low noise during transits and operations. Its construction is part of the Electrification of the Yangtze River project, promoting technological progress in reducing emissions in ports and along this key transport corridor.
Riviera’s TUGTECHNOLOGY ‘25 will be held in Antwerp, 22-23 May 2025. Click here for more information on this industry-leading event.
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