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World’s first hybrid hydrogen-battery tugboat launched
Chinese tug construction has already led to multiple deliveries and launches, including a world-first vessel, in the first few weeks of 2025
Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyards has launched the world’s first hybrid hydrogen-battery tugboat, Qing Dian Tuo 1, which it describes as a world-first hybrid tugboat with hydrogen and electric propulsion. It launched this azimuth stern drive (ASD) tugboat from the drydock on 18 January 2025 for Qingdao Port, in Shandong province.
Once completed, it will have a hydrogen fuel cell and a liquid-cooled lithium battery system for zero-emissions operations in the port and coastal areas. This is seen by the shipbuilder as “a major leap in promoting the extension of hydrogen energy applications from land to sea.”
This ship “marks a new step in the innovation of China’s hydrogen energy technology in the port and barge industry, and also provides a Chinese solution for the green development of the global port and shipping industry,” said Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyards.
The company also launched Jia Gang Tuo 18, an ASD tugboat with 2,942 kW of inbuilt power it is building for Jiaxing on 15 January. Also on that day, Jiangsu Zhenjiang delivered Da Hang Tuo 10 and Da Hang Tuo 11, ASD tugboats, each with 3,824 kW, to Cangzhou Port.
These 37-m tugs each have a beam of 10 m, a hull depth of 5 m, a bollard pull of 62 tonnes, a top speed of 13 knots and enough fuel tank capacity to sail 1,200 nautical miles.
On 10 January, Jiangsu Zhenjiang launched two ASD tugboats by crane lift – Guo Tou Xia Gang Tuo 8 and Guo Tou Xia Gang Tuo 18 – it is building for Xia Port. This followed the delivery of four ships, including two 37-m pusher tugs, to COSCO Shipping Bulk Cargo Transportation Co to support bauxite exports from Guinea.
These pushers have a beam of 14 m, a depth of 5 m, a draught of 4 m and a maximum speed of 13 knots. The other two vessels were 12,000-dwt, 111-m barges with a beam of 30 m and draught of 5 m.
On 2 January, the shipbuilding group delivered a 37-m ASD tugboat with 3,824 kW of power, a bollard pull of 57 tonnes, a speed of 14 knots and a beam of 10 m, to Zhang Jia Gang.
This followed a busy period of deliveries and launches at the end of 2024.
On 29 December, Jiangsu Zhenjiang delivered Yong Gang Xiao Tuo 37 Hao, an ASD tug with 4,120 kW, to Ningbo Oil Handling & Tug (Barge) Co. This 40-m vessel has a beam of 11 m, a depth of 5 m, a bollard pull ahead of 70 tonnes and a speed of 13 knots.
The day before, the shipyard delivered the world’s largest dedicated pilot carrier, Hu Gang Yin 9, for transporting personnel to the Shanghai Port pilot station. This 6,000-tonne ship has two diesel engines and twin-screw propulsion, plus six high-speed pilot boats with waterjet propulsion, and accommodation for 45 crew members and 88 pilots.
On 17 December, Shenzhen Port took delivery of ASD tugboat Yan Tian Tuo 26 from the shipbuilder. This 39-m vessel has a beam of 13 m, a bollard pull ahead of 83 tonnes and tank capacity for operating over 1,000 nautical miles.
On 12 December, Jiangsu Zhenjiang celebrated the milestone of constructing the company’s 700th ASD tug, with 36 member units from the China Port Association Tug branch and nearly 100 guests from major ports across the country attending the conference at the company’s training centre.
China Port Association executive vice president of the tug branch, Ma Guangzhi, said Zhenjiang Shipyard had the longest construction time, the largest total construction amount, and the most complete vessels of this type, having built tugs for the past 40 years.
In early December, Jiangsu Zhenjiang delivered three 40-m ASD tugboats to Ningbo Oil Handling & Tug. Yong Gang Xiao Tuo 35, Yong Gang Xiao Tuo 36 and Yong Gang Xiao Tuo 37 have 3,680 kW of power, a bollard pull of 64 tonnes and a speed of 13 knots.
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