⚓️ Meet the newest star in maritime green tech: China's first hydrogen-electric tugboat has docked at Qingdao Port in Shandong Province on the Chinese mainland. It officially entered service in June 2025 and just started regular operations this month. 🚢
Powered by a hybrid system that blends hydrogen fuel cells with liquid-cooled lithium batteries, this sleek vessel can sail for over 12 hours at a steady 9 knots. Compared to its diesel-powered cousins, it runs quieter, vibrates less, and leaves a much smaller carbon footprint – around 1,500 metric tonnes less CO₂ per year. Talk about eco-vibes! 🌿
But the futuristic features don't stop there. The tugboat sports a split wheelhouse with dual control stations, boosting visibility and maneuverability. Onboard is homegrown tech too, like the Beidou satellite navigation system and an intelligent shore-based charging setup that's as smooth as your favorite app loading in 5G speed. 📡🔋
Qingdao Port, one of the busiest hubs on the Chinese mainland, has already moved over 700 million tonnes this year. By adding this hydrogen-electric powerhouse to its fleet, the port is doubling down on its green strategy and steering toward a cleaner, cooler future for maritime logistics. 🛳️💚
Keep watching this space as Qingdao Port rides the green wave into 2026 and beyond! 🌊🔋
Reference(s):
China's first hydrogen-electric tugboat to boost green port operations
cgtn.com
