Double Breakthrough in Horsepower & Capacity! CATL Powers China’s First Hydrogen-Electric Tugboat

2025-07-05 | Eric

Recently, China’s first hydrogen-electric hybrid tugboat, "HydroTug 1," co-developed by CATL, commenced operations at Qingdao Port, Shandong Province. Equipped with CATL’s innovative marine energy solutions, "HydroTug 1" boasts the highest horsepower and lithium battery capacity among Chinese harbor tugboats, achieving true zero carbon emissions. As a critical asset for efficient port operations, its successful deployment will significantly reduce carbon emissions in harbor activities, setting a replicable industry benchmark for green port equipment transformation.

Amid the global trend toward low-carbon ports, energy-efficient electric tugboats have become a key breakthrough for port electrification. Dubbed "sea-going powerhouses," tugboats perform essential tasks like berthing/unberthing large vessels (cargo ships, tankers, container carriers) and course adjustments.

CATL delivered a high-performance, ultra-safe marine power solution for "HydroTug 1." With a 7,838.88kWh lithium battery capacity, industry-leading energy density (140Wh/kg), and 5,200kW max output, the tugboat achieves 12+ hours of endurance at 9 knots and 82-ton bollard pull, enabling prolonged high-efficiency operations in complex waters. CATL’s NP (no thermal propagation) technology, self-developed BMS, and millisecond-precision liquid cooling further eliminate thermal runaway risks, ensuring reliability under demanding conditions.

Upon operation, "HydroTug 1" is projected to cut 1,500 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, accelerating Qingdao Port’s zero-carbon transition.

As a global leader in new energy innovation, CATL is building comprehensive zero-carbon marine solutions for diverse scenarios. From China’s first hybrid luxury catamaran "Greater Bay Area One" to the world’s largest pure-electric cruise ship "Yangtze River Three Gorges 1," and now "HydroTug 1"—CATL-powered landmark projects span tourist vessels, harbor tugs, and inland/coastal cargo ships.

Moving forward, CATL will continue advancing marine electrification technologies, partnering globally to accelerate zero-carbon transitions in ports and shipping, fueling sustainable maritime economies.

• Next: Higee Energy Showcases "Safety + Efficiency" Dual Strengths at SNEC