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"Yangkoutuo 7", a tugboat operated by Nantong Yangkou Port Tugboat, joined forces with three other tugboats on Feb 4 to assist the Australian LNG vessel "LNG FUKUROKUJU" in docking at Jiangsu LNG Terminal (PetroChina), located in Sunshine Island, Yangkou Port, Rudong, Nantong, Jiangsu province.

Despite its compact size, comparable to that of a standard basketball court, "Yangkoutuo 7" is equipped with a powerful 6,000-horsepower engine, achieving a maximum towing capacity of 70 metric tons — equivalent to pulling over 5,000 sedans.

Gu Shijian, the captain, said this formidable power enables precise control over large vessels, even those weighing up to 150,000 tons.

The tugboats at work. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

"For this mission, 'Yangkoutuo 7' is responsible for pushing the stern and assisting in maneuvering the LNG ship, which exceeds 200 meters in length and requires the coordination of four tugboats for safe port entry and exit," Gu said.

Sunshine Island serves as a crucial energy hub for natural gas peak regulation and emergency supply in East China. During the winter supply season, accommodating 10 LNG vessels a month has become routine.

Currently, six azimuth stern drive tugboats operate in Yangkou Port's waters, all managed by Nantong Yangkou Port Tugboat.

Over the past three years, the company has serviced an average of 145 large vessels a year. The company has also completed 74 special operations and participated in 73 rescue and emergency drills.