Port of Tokuyama-Kudamatsu in Japan is where Seagate intends to operate a battery-electric tug from 2027 (source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)
18 Sep 2025by Martyn Wingrove
A Japanese shipping group has kick-started its plans to operate an electric-powered tug with hybrid propulsion at a major port in Japan
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) subsidiary Seagate Corp has started a project to build its first electric-powered tugboat in Japan.
Seagate has contracted Kanagawa Dockyard to construct a battery-powered harbour tug for completion in 2027 when it will be deployed at the Port of Tokuyama-Kudamatsu in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan. This contract award followed discussions between the Japanese shipbuilder and Seagate covering detailed design and downsizing the tugboat’s equipment to enable this to become a commercial project.
This tugboat will have a large-capacity lithium-ion battery package supported by a generator set as back-up, ready to power electric motors on two azimuth thrusters, plus a current control system and switchboards.
Seagate said the generator will be used if the batteries do not have enough remaining electricity to operate the electric propulsion system.
It added this tugboat would be a demonstration project linked to a subsidy provided by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
This project aligns with Japan’s aim to decarbonise its coastal shipping industry and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in ports.
K Line plans to reduce its carbon emissions through several initiatives, such as introducing carbon-neutral bioLNG, and synthetic and zero-emissions fuels including ammonia and hydrogen.
Once operating, this tug will undertake security operations and assist ships calling at the Port of Tokuyama-Kudamatsu, which seeks to become a carbon-neutral harbour and a hub for supplying green fuels and chemicals from the nearby petrochemical plant.
Another K Line subsidiary Daito Corp has also contracted a shipyard to build an electric-powered tugboat to cut emissions from harbour operations. It will be built with two battery rooms, three back-up generator sets and two azimuth thrusters by 2027 to support ships calling at the Port of Yokohama.
And Japanese owner Tokyo Kisen is developing a purely battery-powered harbour tug design to operate with no greenhouse gas emissions in Japanese ports from 2030. The Yokohama, Japan-headquartered owner has teamed up with Tokyo-based Marindows Inc and e5 Lab Inc to develop the concept, study its feasibility and create its zero-emissions design.
AloJapan.com