On July 24, the world’s first hydrogen-electric “dual-energy” hybrid-powered tugboat, the “Hydrogen Tug 1,” completed its first shore-based hydrogen refueling operation at Qingdao Port in Shandong Port. This also marks China’s first successful case of hydrogen refueling for coastal vessels.
The hydrogen refueling project was constructed in accordance with the standards for a Level 3 hydrogen refueling station and serves as a demonstration project for ship hydrogenation. Located at the Qingdao Port Lianwan River Tugboat Base in the Huangdao District Bonded Port Area of Qingdao, it is operated by Qingdao Qinggang Tongda Energy Co., Ltd., commissioned by Qingdao Port Tugboat Company. The station adopts a “vehicle-skid-ship” refueling model for hydrogen supply and does not have separate hydrogen storage equipment. Its designed refueling capacity is /12h. During refueling, the tugboat docks at a pontoon, and hydrogen pipelines are arranged via a gangway, converting a 4-meter tidal vertical displacement into less than 2 meters of horizontal displacement. This significantly reduces the impact of tides on the pipelines during refueling, achieving “static” refueling and ensuring “true safety” throughout the process.
The successful first hydrogen refueling operation of the “Hydrogen Tug 1” received strong support from the Qingdao Municipal Transportation Bureau, Qingdao West Coast New Area Transportation Bureau, Qingdao Transportation Development Service Center, Qingdao Maritime Safety Administration, China Classification Society, and other units. These agencies collaborated closely, with all procedures tailored under a “one ship, one discussion” approach to develop a targeted operational plan, which was unanimously approved by experts, ensuring the smooth completion of the first refueling task.
Replacing traditional fuel power with low-carbon energy is a critical pathway for the shipping industry to overcome challenges. The new energy power practice of the “Hydrogen Tug 1” aligns with the intrinsic requirements of building a smart and green port, setting a new benchmark for the green development of vessels.
By Ma Rongwei, All-Media Reporter
