Qingdao Port integrates clean energy with China's first hydrogen-electric tugboat

Since mid-summer, China's first hydrogen-electric tugboat has been in operation at Shandong's Qingdao Port.

Zhou Zixiang, captain of the tugboat, said it is equipped with a hybrid system that combines hydrogen fuel cells and liquid-cooled lithium batteries. It can operate for approximately 12 hours on a single charge.

"Compared to traditional fuel-powered tugboats, it shows advantages in energy utilization and maneuverability, and is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1,500 tons annually," he added.

The tugboat is equipped with the Beidou Navigation Satellite System and an intelligent shore-based charging system.

While the port's annual cargo throughput surpassed 700 million tons this year, it has also integrated solar and wind power and energy storage systems, establishing an integrated port-area charging zone, China Media Group reported on Tuesday.

The port's photovoltaic projects generate about 25 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Nearly 80 percent of operational vehicles now use new energy, and clean energy accounts for 69 percent of the port's total energy consumption, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 20,000 tons each year.