Japan’s Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has marked the launch of a new tugboat ordered by its subsidiary SEAGATE CORPORATION CO., LTD., featuring onboard biofuel blending capability and efficiency-enhancing hull technology.
The vessel, BISAN MARU, was named and launched at KANAGAWA DOCKYARD CO., LTD. and is scheduled to enter service at the Port of Mizushima in August 2026 following final outfitting.
While powered by a conventional diesel propulsion system, the tug stands out as Japan’s first to be equipped with an onboard marine biofuel blender, enabling flexible blending of fuel oil and biofuel from 0% to 100%. The system, developed by CONHIRA CO., LTD., allows operators to produce blended fuel onboard, reducing reliance on external supply of pre-mixed biofuels.
The vessel is also fitted with an ultrasonic hull anti-fouling system from M-SAT.LLC. The technology uses ultrasonic waves to limit marine organism growth on the hull, helping to maintain fuel efficiency and reduce associated emissions.
Combined, the two systems are expected to deliver lower CO₂ emissions compared to conventional tug operations, while also serving as a testbed for technologies planned for future low-emission vessels, including a hybrid electric tug scheduled for completion in 2027.
The project forms part of K LINE’s long-term environmental strategy, “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 – Blue Seas for the Future, which targets decarbonisation through technology deployment and operational improvements.
The company said it will continue to advance low- and zero-carbon solutions across its fleet, with biofuel integration and energy efficiency measures playing a near-term role in emissions reduction.
