K Line unit Daito to build second electric tug for Tokyo Bay

Second vessel pairs a 4,400 PS motor with data-driven power management.

Japan’s Daito Corporation, a consolidated subsidiary of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line), will build its second electric tugboat for operations in Tokyo Bay, with completion scheduled for July 2028.

The 260 gross tonne-class vessel will follow the company's first electric tugboat, a 199-gross-tonne-class vessel that is currently under construction.

The vessel will have a 4,400 PS motor, compared with the 3,600 PS motor installed on the first vessel.

Daito said in a statement that the higher output will enable the vessel to support a wider range of towage operations and serve as a standard model for future electric tugboats.

It will use a direct current power distribution system to supply propulsion and onboard electrical power, and a condition monitoring system to control its auxiliary generator when battery capacity is insufficient.

“Accumulated operational data will be utilised to optimise power supply and reduce the vessel’s use of fossil fuels,” the company said.

The project has been selected for Japan's Innovative Navigation Efficiency and Transition to Non-Fossil Energy for Coastal Shipping programme, jointly administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Hongawara Ship Yard Co., Ltd. will build the vessel, whilst Kawasaki Heavy Industries will supply and integrate the propulsion and control systems, and TOA Corporation will design and construct the shoreside charging equipment.