Tokyo Kisen and e5 Lab have announced that a naming and launching ceremony has been held for the electric tugboat ‘Taiga’, currently under construction at Kanagawa Dockyard.
Taiga is powered by an electric propulsion system that combines e5Lab-developed large-capacity lithium-ion batteries and a diesel engine. It is an eco-ship designed to protect the environment in areas surrounding the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki. The boat is described by the developers as being ‘crew-friendly’; as well as achieving low/zero emissions of CO2, NOx, SOx, and particulate matter (PM) from the vessel, it reduces noise and vibration for an improved working environment.
IHI Power Systems participated in the development as system integrator and supplier of the ship’s electric propulsion system. Taiga is the first tugboat to adopt IHI Power Systems’ L-Drive propulsion system. This also marks the first use of ABB’s DC Grid in Japan. In combination with the large-capacity lithium-ion batteries, it delivers higher efficiency than conventional electric propulsion systems. In addition, it can be upgraded for even greater energy efficiency by analysing important parameters such as the charge-discharge power of lithium-ion batteries and propulsion motor output, along with fuel consumption of the diesel engine.
The project team collaborated with OSD-IMT, a part of the Dutch Damen Shipyards Group, for concept design of the tugboat to improve operating performance as well as living environment. In recognition of these advancements, the project was adopted for subsidies from ‘Utilizing AI/IoT, etc. and More Efficient Transport Promotion Project Grant Subsidy (Coastal Ship Innovative Operational Efficiency Demonstration Projects)’ by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Agency for Natural Resources and Energy.
Initially the team considered equipping the tugboat with hydrogen fuel cells for enhanced environmental performance, and conducted a risk assessment (Hazid analysis) in cooperation with the project partners, but decided not to adopt the technology.
Taiga is scheduled for completion in December 2022, and will operate mainly in the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki as a harbour tug. In addition, installation of power supply equipment on a floating pier designed especially for the Taiga will be completed when the tug enters service.
Tokyo Kisen says it contributes to the decarbonisation of ports and harbours by reducing the environmental impact of tugboats, aiming at sustainable growth for the tugboat business. Taiga is the second eco tugboat, following the Ginga, a diesel-electric hybrid harbour tug launched in the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki in 2013.
e5 Lab is addressing urgent issues that face coastal shipping through development of advanced ships that adopt electric propulsion technology.
