The world’s most powerful all-electric tugboat, Yungang Electric Tug No. 3, has recently been delivered to its owners.
Powered by cutting-edge systems and equipment from China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited’s No 712 Research Institute (CSSC 712), this vessel now stands alongside Yungang Electric Tug No. 1 and No. 2 at Haizhou Bay, marking the formation of China’s first all-electric tugboat fleet and accelerating the green electrification of Chinese ports.
The world’s most powerful all-electric tugboat, Yungang Electric Tug No. 3, has recently been delivered to its owners. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Yungang Electric Tug No. 3 is equipped with CSSC 712’s independently developed high-performance DC distribution electric propulsion system and core equipment. It features the latest generation of high-energy-density, high-safety lithium battery systems, offering a capacity of nearly 8,000 kilowatt-hours. The battery energy density has increased by approximately 10 percent, the maximum discharge rate reaches 1C, and the battery cycle life has been extended by around 50 percent. The vessel also uses a new-generation DC distribution system, further enhancing safety, efficiency, structural compactness, and fault tolerance.
Moreover, the tugboat is compatible with the high-voltage shore power technology pioneered by Lianyungang Port, enabling full recharge in just two hours.
CSSC 712 also optimized the size and weight of the motor installed on Yungang Electric Tug No. 3, improving the power-to-weight ratio and contributing to a more compact and efficient layout of the vessel’s engine room.
According to estimates, the annual comprehensive operating cost of an all-electric tugboat is nearly 3 million yuan lower than that of a traditional fuel-powered tug of the same horsepower, and each tugboat can reduce carbon emissions by about 900 tons annually.
Currently, Yungang Electric Tug No. 1 and No. 2 have safely operated for over 11,000 hours and completed 8,306 berthing assist operations, demonstrating the maturity of Lianyungang’s all-electric tugboat technology for large-port, all-weather operations.
At present, five all-electric tugboats are under simultaneous construction at Lianyungang Port’s industrial demonstration base, with three designated for external orders. The technology is gradually expanding to other ports across China, including Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
