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NYK Celebrates Japan's 1st Environmentally-Friendly Tugboat in Yokohama

March 28, 2013

"Tsubasa"

Yesterday, Wing Maritime Service Corporation held a ceremony in Yokohama Port to mark the entry into service of the NYK Group’s tugboat "Tsubasa"(Gross Tonnage: 256 tons) featuring a hybrid propulsion system. A preview of the “Tsubasa” was also held on the same day and was attended by Yokohama deputy mayor Nobuya Suzuki and a number of other guests. At the ceremony after the preview, the vessel was presented with a video provided by the tugboat builder Keihin Dock Co. Ltd. and Niigata Power Systems Co.,Ltd.

 

Since March 15, "Tsubasa" has been used in towing operations which help large vessels get into and out of ports, mainly at the port of Yokohama and Kawasaki. She is equipped with a motor generator and high-performance rechargeable batteries in addition to conventional diesel engines. Capable of operating solely on her diesel engines and/or on her electric-motors depending upon the operating power needed, a fuel-efficient and low CO₂ emission performance is achieved. In addition, the batteries can be charged not only by the onboard power generator, but also via electric-power from land. With these environmentally-friendly features, the new tugboat is expected to emit 20 per cent fewer CO₂ emissions in port.

At the ceremony, from left:
Tadaaki Naito, NYK senior managing corporate officer;
Kouichi Ono, president of The Japan Harbour Tugowners' Association;
Nobuya Suzuki, deputy mayor of City of Yokohama;
Yasuo Nakajima, director general of Port and Harbor Bureau,
City of Yokohama;
Toshinori Yamashita, president of Wing Maritime Service Corporation

“Tsubasa” is owned and operated by the NYK Group company, Wing Maritime Service Corporation (head office: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture ; president: Toshinori Yamashita). She was built by the NYK Group's tugboat builder Keihin Dock Co. Ltd. (head office: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture ; president: Susumu Akeno) and Niigata Power Systems Co.,Ltd. (head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo ; president Junichi Saikawa). Niigata Power Systems developed and manufactures the hybrid propulsion system.

 

The NYK Group continually strives through Group wide efforts to involve itself in measures that reduce the environmental impact of port facilities and marine vessels.

Related press release:

“NYK Group Companies Participate in Construction of New Tugboat Featuring a Hybrid Propulsion System - First in Japan; 20% Reduction in CO2 Emissions Expected -,” April 25, 2012, https://www.nyk.com/english/release/1964/NE_120425.html