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Japan’s first hydrogen-fuelled tugboat delivered
A Japanese construction group has built Japan’s first hydrogen-fuelled tugboat with dual-fuel engines to demonstrate zero-emissions towage
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has completed the first hydrogen-fuelled tugboat in Japan with dual-fuel engines under the Nippon Foundation’s zero-emissions ships project.
Ten-OH is equipped with two BEH2ydro 12-cylinder hydrogen dual-fuel engines enabling the use of marine diesel if hydrogen is not available. When combusting hydrogen, this 38-m tugboat can manoeuvre ships, transit between jobs and undertake towage without emitting any CO2 emissions.
JPNH2ydro, a joint venture between Tsuneishi Group and Belgian shipping and technology company CMB.TECH, supplied the engines, high-pressure hydrogen storage unit and fuel supply system for Ten-OH.
250 kg of hydrogen can be stored in high-pressure tanks and each engine generates 3,280 kW of power.
“This ensures operational performance equivalent to conventional fuel use, while enabling significant CO2 reductions,” said Tsuneishi Shipbuilding. “In the unlikely event of a hydrogen fuel system failure, the vessel can continue to operate solely on marine fuel, maintaining safety at the same standard as conventional vessels.”
Both engines drive two azimuth thrusters on the stern. Ten-OH has a beam of 10 m and a draught of 4 m.
Fukuyama, Hiroshima-headquartered Tsuneishi Shipbuilding president, director and executive officer Sachio Okumura said the delivery of the first hydrogen dual-fuel tugboat is one of several innovations the group is working through to improve the sustainability of the maritime sector.
“Across our domestic and overseas operations, we are developing vessels powered by next-generation fuels such as methanol, hydrogen and LNG,” he said.
“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.”
Tsuneishi also has manufacturing bases in the Philippines and China to construct bulk carriers, container ships and tankers.
The Nippon Foundation launched the zero-emissions ships project to support the development of vessels with zero CO2 emissions and to work towards carbon neutrality in Japan’s coastal shipping industry by 2050.
ClassNK has classed this hydrogen-fuelled tugboat after it was involved in the planning and development stages.
This Japanese classification society said it reviewed the safety requirements and countermeasures for hydrogen-fuelled ships by applying part of its own rules and for the survey and construction of steel ships.
“These reviews focused on issues such as preventing explosions caused by the high ignitability of hydrogen and mitigating the potential impacts of hydrogen fuel leakage on crew members and the environment,” said ClassNK.
It added this vessel to its register on 9 October 2025 following the necessary surveys to ensure this tugboat followed the relevant class rules.
ClassNK said it would continuously support the safe operation of this vessel through surveys during its service.
The 28th International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, in association with Caterpillar, 19-21 May 2026. Use this link for more details of this industry event and the associated social and networking opportunities.
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