Corvus charges up NYK battery tug
Corvus Energy has been chosen to supply the battery systems for a new electric tugboat being built by Japanese shipyard Keihin Dock Co. for NYK Line.
The environmentally friendly harbour tug will be powered by Corvus Energy’s Orca Energy battery systems, with a total capacity of 2,712 kWh.
“Batteries are ideally suited for tugboats because they enable zero-emission operations during idling and low-power manoeuvres, with diesel engines only needed when maximum thrust is required,” explained Ole Jacob Irgens, executive vice president and head of regional sales for Europe and Asia at Corvus Energy.
“This hybrid approach reduces fuel consumption, emissions, noise and maintenance, while enhancing efficiency and responsiveness.”
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The concept design is led by NYK Line’s Project Engineering Team, with Keihin Dock finalising the detailed design.
The vessel will feature Japan’s first domestically manufactured large-capacity motor drive system, supplied by TMEIC Corporation and will be equipped with a dynamic positioning system.
“This vessel is the result of our collective innovation – a ‘Tugboat of the Future’ that cares for both people and the planet,” said Satohiko Kodama, manager of Project Engineering Team at NYK Line.
“By integrating advanced electric propulsion from our domestic partners and state-of-the-art energy storage technology from Corvus Energy, we are taking an important step toward realizing zero-emission ports.”
The battery system, supplied in partnership with Sumisho Marine Co., is scheduled for delivery in June 2026, with the tugboat expected to begin operations by the end of 2026 under Naikai Tug Boat Service Co., part of the NYK Group.
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