"K" Line Daito Corporation to Build Second Electric Tugboat

9 July 2026: Daito, a subsidiary of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. (“K” Line) decided to build a 260-tonne gross-tonne electric tug (“EV Tug No. 2”). Daito is currently building a 199-ton gross-ton electric tug, which will be the company's second electric tug. *1

A wide range of towing operations in Tokyo Bay will be met by the high-performance vessel EV Tug No. 2, which has been designed to do so. It is intended to set a new standard for future electric tugboats. The vessel will utilise a new DC power distribution system, which efficiently provides the necessary propulsion and onboard electrical power, and will be equipped with a 4,400 hp motor, which is more powerful than the 3,600 hp motor of EV Tug No. 1. Additionally, the backup generator on EV Tug No. 2, which activates when the battery capacity is low, is controlled by a Condition Monitoring System (CMS). Accumulated operational data will be used to optimise the power supply and reduce the vessel's reliance on fossil fuels.

Innovative Navigation Efficiency programme,

This initiative has also been selected for inclusion in the "Innovative Navigation Efficiency and Non-Fossil Energy Transition in Coastal Shipping" programme, which is jointly administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. It is expected to strengthen environmental initiatives in Japan's coastal shipping sector.

Related: “K” LINE Signs Shipbuilding Contracts for Four LNG-fueled Car Carriers

The construction of EV Tug No. 2 

The construction of EV Tug No. 2 is to be carried out by Hongawara Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., with the control and propulsion systems to be provided and integrated by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. Meanwhile, TOA will be responsible for the design and construction of the coastal shipping equipment. It is scheduled that construction will be completed in July 2028. Along with EV Tug No. 1, which will enter service earlier, this tug will participate in towing operations for vessels docked in Tokyo Bay ports, thereby contributing to the development of carbon-neutral ports

 "K-Line Environmental Vision 2050: 

The Group's long-term environmental policy, "K-Line Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future”, K-Line is developing, researching, and implementing environmental technologies. Promoting initiatives aimed at implementing low-carbon and carbon-neutral operations will be a key focus for the Group as it continues to work together.

The 2 Carbon Neutral Port (CNP) initiative, led by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from ports by promoting decarbonisation through the development of port operations.

Related: “K” LINE Acquires Full Ownership of “K” Line Wind Service

 Blue Seas for the Future

 3. K Line Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future is a set of long-term environmental guidelines that were established in 2015 and revised in 2020. As part of our action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we are introducing several initiatives, including the use of zero-emission fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen, as well as carbon-neutral fuels such as biogas and synthetic fuels.

#Daito K Line #(CNP) initiative #"K-Line Environmental Vision # EV Tug No. 2 #Innovative Navigation Efficiency #(CMS) #Tokyo Bay #Japan's coastal shipping # Kawasaki Heavy Industries,