With the “Ten-Oh”, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has delivered Japan’s first tugboat with a hydrogen-powered dual-fuel system. The 38-metre-long ship marks an important step towards climate-neutral shipping.
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has delivered Japan’s first hydrogen-powered tugboat. The new vessel, named “Ten-Oh”, is equipped with a powerful BEH2YDRO dual-fuel hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine and a large-capacity high-pressure hydrogen storage system and associated supply system. These systems were supplied by JPNH2YDRO – a joint venture between the Tsuneishi Group and CMB.Tech.
The ship was developed and built as part of the Nippon Foundation’s “Zero Emission Ships Project”. This initiative promotes the development of ships with zero CO₂ emissions.
The newly delivered tug is powered by two twelve-cylinder, hydrogen-blending engines with an output of 3,236.2 kW and stores around 250 kg of hydrogen in high-pressure tanks. As a result, it achieves an operating performance equivalent to that of conventional fuels, but at the same time enables a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. In the unlikely event of a malfunction in the hydrogen system, the ship can continue to run exclusively on marine fuel – with the same safety standards as conventional ships.
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding will continue to promote the development and construction of ships with alternative forms of propulsion: “It is a great honor for us to deliver Japan’s first hydrogen-powered dual-fuel tugboat. At our domestic and international shipyards, we are developing vessels that run on alternative fuels such as methanol and LNG. Building on the experience gained from this project and through the combined strength of our group of companies, we will continue to drive innovation and contribute to a more sustainable future for the maritime industry,” says Sachio Okumura, Representative Director, President & Executive Officer of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding.
ClassNK classifies Premiere tugs
ClassNK, another Japanese classification society, has classified the tugboat “Ten-Oh” . According to ClassNK, it examined the safety requirements and countermeasures for the operation of hydrogen-powered ships during the planning phase of the project on the basis of the Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships (Part GF).
The focus of the tests was on issues such as the prevention of explosions due to the high flammability of hydrogen and the mitigation of possible effects of hydrogen leaks on the crew and the environment.
After completing all the necessary tests in accordance with the applicable classification rules, ClassNK officially added the ship to its register on October 9, 2025.
In the future, ClassNK will monitor the safe operation of the tug through regular inspections. The knowledge gained during the inspections will be incorporated into the further development of the guidelines and contribute to the development of suitable international standards.
Technical data
- Fuel: Hydrogen and conventional marine fuels
- Overall length: 38.0 m
- Width: 9.6 m
- Draught: 4.2 m
- Gross tonnage: less than 300
- Main propulsion: BEH2YDRO, two 12-cylinder dual-fuel combustion engines (hydrogen/fuel), power class 4,400 hp / 3,236.2 kW
