Tokyo Kisen Co., Ltd. and Marindows Inc. have kicked off Japan’s first pure battery-powered EV harbor tugboat development project. The vessel will operate in the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki, aiming to achieve “zero GHG emissions from the ports” under the Carbon Neutral Port (CNP) policy.
Tokyo Kisen already made waves in 2023 with TAIGA, the nation’s first series-hybrid electric tugboat. That vessel used a 2,486 kWh battery system. Building on two and a half years of operational experience, the new project takes the next step—creating a tugboat that runs entirely on battery power.
The planned tug will feature a 6.66 MWh onboard battery system and MW-class fast chargers, enabling truly zero-emission operations. Technical support will come from e5 Lab Inc.
Project milestones:
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2025: Feasibility study and concept design
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2026: Basic design of vessel, systems, and chargers
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2027: Detailed design
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2028: Start of vessel construction and fast-charging pier works
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2030: Launch of commercial service
Once complete, the tug will reach speeds of 14 knots and deliver a maximum bollard pull of 53 tons, powered by two 1,500 kW propulsion units. Fast charging will be handled by twin 1,000 kW shore-to-ship chargers.
The project marks a major step toward cleaner, carbon-free port operations in Japan.
