Japanese marine transportation company Asahi Tanker Co Ltd on Thursday (8 October) said it has ordered two of the world’s first zero-emission electric-powered bunker tankers.
The two tankers will adopt the “e5 tanker” design developed by e5 Lab Inc, a Japanese consortium that aims to establish zero emissions shipping infrastructure.
The vessels will be powered completely by large-capacity lithium ion batteries and are slated to go into service as bunker vessels in Tokyo Bay, said Asahi Tanker.
The company noted that the two tankers will be able to achieve zero emissions of CO2, NOx, SOx, and particulates thanks to their all-electric core energy system, dramatically reducing their environmental impact.
Additionally, their reduced noise and vibration will create a more comfortable work environment for the crewmembers and limit noise pollution in the bay and its surroundings.
The design of the vessel also adopts various automated equipment and digital tools including Internet of Things (IoT) will reduce crews’ onboard workload and increase the ship’s operating efficiency.
The tankers will play a new role in contributing to measures for the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Community Life Continuity Plan (LCP) in case of disaster or emergency, by making use of the electricity stored in their batteries onboard available to supply power in an emergency.
Asahi Tanker said it is currently partnering with TEPCO Energy Partner to further develop these initiatives.
Asahi Tanker added it will continue working with e5 Lab to realise a sustainable ocean shipping industry through efforts to improve the work environment for crewmembers, which is an urgent issue faced by the coastal shipping sector, and global environmental protection through the development and introduction of these advanced ships.
Related: Japanese consortium e5 Lab initiates development of electrically powered ROBOSHIP
Related: Newly formed ‘e5 Consortium’ to boost use of zero-emission electric vessels in Japan
Related: Asahi Tanker orders world’s first zero-emission electric propulsion bunker tankers
Photo credit: Asahi Tanker
Published: 13 October, 2020
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