China's first hydrogen-electric tugboat Qing Dian Tuo 1 began operating at Qingdao Port of Shandong Port Group on June 26. The debut of the vessel highlights the nation's commitment to new energy development and dual-carbon goals. 

Qing Dian Tuo 1 makes its debut at Qingdao Port. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Guided by macroeconomic policies, industries across China have been actively embracing new energy solutions. The shipping industry, as a pivotal sector for energy consumption and carbon emissions, is pivotal in green transition. The hybrid tugboat, designed by Qingdao Port's "Liangang Innovation Team", represents a practical implementation of national new energy policies, serving as a model for the green renovation of port equipment.

Integrating hydrogen fuel cells with liquid-cooled lithium batteries, the tugboat is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 1,500 tonnes annually. 

"We have addressed multiple technological challenges since the inception of the project. The implementation of the tugboat will greatly reduce carbon emissions in port operations and push the port sector toward a greener and smarter future," said Zhang Lei, deputy general manager of Qingdao Port Towage Co Ltd.

Going forward, Qingdao Port aims to further expand the application of hydrogen and advance the green upgrading of port equipment, thereby leading the green transition of the global port and shipping industry.