NYK to build Japan's first LNG-fueled tugboat

“Other than LNG carriers, this tugboat will be the first building in Japan of an LNG-fueled vessel,” NYK said in a statement.

NYK said that using LNG as fuel will cut tugboat emissions of carbon dioxide by about 30%, nitrogen oxide by about 80% and sulphur oxide by 100%, compared to using heavy fuel oil.

In 2011, NYK established a team to research next generation fuel alternatives to heavy fuel oil, and looked into building an LNG-fueled vessel with the cooperation of Nippon Kaiji Kyokai and others.

The project will be subsidised by Japan's ministry of economy, trade and industry and ministry of land infrastructure transport and tourism. Tokyo Gas Co will supply the LNG, according to NYK.

“The NYK Group will aggressively continue to encourage initiatives to mitigate environmental loads by vessels,” the company said.