Japanese shipping companies are continuing to invest in technologies for more fuel-efficient and emissions-reducing vessels, collaborating with manufacturers and adopting government-backed initiatives, at a time where climate talks are reaching the pinnacle of global importance.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has recently announced the development of a carbon dioxide-reducing, efficiency-boosting fuel additive for ships, created in conjunction with Japan’s largest fuel additive manufacturer, Taihokohzai. MOL intends to implement the new additive, TAICRUSH HD, on its vessels as part of the wider aim to reduce the environmental impact of its operations.
Improving the ignition performance and sludge (carbon and sediment) dispersion in heavy fuel oils, TAICRUSH HD promotes improved combustion and reduced fuel consumption MOL stated that the new additive reduces ignition delay and afterburning time by more than 30% compared to conventional fuel oil additives for large-scale vessels.
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) Lines has simultaneously received subsidies from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for four of its technological development projects under the Ministry’s ‘Support for Technology Development for Curtailing CO2 from Marine Vessels’ program.
Examining various ways to further improve shipping’s fuel efficiency, the research projects incorporate input from a range of other companies, primarily the Monohakobi Technology Institute – the body assisting NYK in the development of their new concept container vessel – and also Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
The subsidies will assist in the development of a number of new technologies such as a vessel performance monitoring system, which will measure precisely the movement of waves and that of a vessels’ hull and calculate the resulting effect on the propulsion performance of vessels; a load-fluctuation stabilizer to counteract the negative effect heavy weather has on vessel performance, and research into the application of Nickel-Hydrogen batteries as a hybrid power source for large vessels.
In addition, NYK is involved in a project to equip a Capesize bulk carrier with the world’s first hybrid turbocharger generating system for vessels with hopes to prove its effectiveness. The system, to undergo onboard trials in 2011, will provide all electricity required onboard during ordinary operations, rendering it unnecessary to operate a diesel power generator during voyages and therefore reducing fuel and maintenance costs while also curtailing CO2 emissions.
In its “commitment to pursuing technological innovations to suppress global warming,” NYK’s government-backed drivers to invest in green technologies are part of Japan’s commitment to its important role as a maritime superpower, and are a burning indication of the nation’s efforts to build a sustainable future for global shipping.
