Fukuyama, Hiroshima | October 16, 2025 — In a historic step toward carbon-neutral shipping, TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. has delivered TEN-OH, Japan’s first hydrogen dual-fuelled tugboat, powered by the revolutionary BEH2YDRO hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE).
Japan’s First Hydrogen Tugboat Ushers in New Era for Green Port Operations
This landmark delivery under Japan’s “Zero Emission Ships Project” by The Nippon Foundation represents a significant advancement in global efforts to decarbonize coastal and port operations.
A Vision for Sustainable Shipping
Mr. OKUMURA Sachio, President and Executive Officer of TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING, remarked “It is a great honour to deliver Japan’s first hydrogen dual-fuelled tugboat. Across our global operations, we are advancing vessels powered by next-generation fuels such as methanol and LNG. Building on this experience, we’ll continue driving innovation toward a sustainable maritime industry.”
A Tugboat Designed for the Future
Tugboats play a vital role in port logistics, guiding large ships safely in tight harbor spaces. Traditionally reliant on conventional marine fuels, these workhorses are now entering a cleaner era with the launch of TEN-OH.
Key Features of TEN-OH:
- Engines: Twin 12-cylinder BEH2YDRO hydrogen dual-fuel engines
- Power Output: 4,400 horsepower
- Fuel: Hydrogen + conventional marine fuels
- Hydrogen Storage: High-pressure tanks holding ~250 kg of hydrogen
- Fallback Safety: Automatically switches to marine fuel if hydrogen fails
The hydrogen-marine fuel blend drastically reduces CO₂ emissions while maintaining the high performance required of harbor tugs.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length Overall | 38.0 meters |
| Breadth | 9.6 meters |
| Draft | 4.2 meters |
| Gross Tonnage | Under 300 |
| Main Engine | BEH2YDRO Twin 12-cylinder ICE |
| Power Output | 4,400 hp class |
| Fuel | Hydrogen + traditional marine fuels |
Innovation Through Collaboration
The TEN-OH project is a joint effort between TSUNEISHI Group and CMB.TECH under the JPNH2YDRO joint venture.
Supported by The Nippon Foundation, the project is part of a bold initiative aiming for net-zero emissions in Japanese coastal shipping by 2050. The foundation backs R&D, shipbuilding, and real-world testing of hydrogen-fueled vessels, positioning Japan at the forefront of green maritime technology.
Safety and Classification: ClassNK’s Oversight
Leading maritime classification society ClassNK registered TEN-OH on October 9, 2025, playing a key role in safety validation during design and construction.
ClassNK applied its “Part GF” guidance for alternative fuel vessels, addressing explosion risks, leakage prevention, and environmental safeguards.
“Going forward, ClassNK will continue in-service inspections and contribute to future hydrogen vessel standards using insights from this project.”
Why TEN-OH Matters
The delivery of TEN-OH is more than a technological achievement — it’s a symbol of what’s next in clean maritime transport.
As global ports and operators look for low-emission solutions, hydrogen-fueled tugboats like TEN-OH offer a practical, scalable path forward. With infrastructure and regulations evolving, this is just the beginning.
TEN-OH isn’t just a first for Japan — it’s a world first.
About TSUNEISHI Shipbuilding
Founded in Hiroshima, TSUNEISHI Shipbuilding is the core company of the TSUNEISHI Group, operating shipyards in Japan, the Philippines, and China. It specializes in bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, and now, next-generation fuel vessels including hydrogen and methanol-powered ships.
- Global Presence: Facilities in Japan, the Philippines, and China
- Headquarters: 1083 Tsuneishi, Numakuma-cho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan
- Core Business: Shipbuilding and repair
Source: TSUNEISHI Shipbuilding