NYK presents Japan's 'first' battery-powered work vessel

Japanese shipping major Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) has unveiled the country’s first fully battery-driven work vessel, e-Crea.

Keihin Dock, an NYK Group company, built the vessel at its Koyasu Shipyard.

Designed without an onboard diesel generator, the 9-meter-long and 3-meter-wide e-Crea will support the docking and undocking of tugboats at the Koyasu Shipyard.

In response to the growing global demand for decarbonizing maritime transportation, the NYK Group has been actively exploring next-generation fuels, including ammonia and other advanced alternatives. Fully electric work vessels represent one of the most promising options for sustainable shipping, the group believes.

Keihin Dock, NYK’s sole shipbuilding subsidiary, has spearheaded this initiative, driving innovative solutions and accelerating the implementation of new technologies.

Powered solely by batteries charged from shore facilities at Keihin Dock’s Koyasu Shipyard, e-Crea operates without emitting carbon dioxide. Additionally, the vessel is significantly quieter compared to conventional ships running on fossil fuels, substantially reducing operational noise.

The design of e-Crea is said to enable maneuverability in confined spaces, making it suited for assisting with docking operations and vessel movement at shipyards. The vessel was classed by Japan Craft