Daito Corporation to build an electric tugboat

Daito Corporation, a subsidiary of Japanese shipping company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line), plans to build an electric tugboat powered by a high-capacity lithium-ion battery.

PHOTO: Daito Corporation’s electric tugboat concept. K Line

The tugboat will feature a 3.2 MWh (megawatt hour) battery, allowing it to operate on electricity stored in the battery.

Construction will take place at Japanese shipbuilder Daizo's shipyard in collaboration with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), which will provide the control and propulsion systems and oversee system integration. The completion is expected by May 2027.

After delivery, the tugboat will offer towage service for vessels at the Port of Yokohama and Kawasaki.

The project is backed by the Japanese government.

By Tuhin Roy

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