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Japanese consortium e5 Lab initiates development of electrically powered ROBOSHIP

The development team will target the commercialisation of electric-powered merchant vessels that adopt world-class propulsion systems at competitive prices, it said.
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Japanese shipping consortium e5 Lab Inc said it has started developing the ROBOSHIP – standard models of electrically powered vessels to realize zero emissions, as well as an integrated system called the “ROBOSHIP BOX,” which brings together telecommunications, the Internet of Things (IoT), and software. 

Through this initiative, e5 Lab noted it  is working to address critical issues facing Japan’s ocean shipping and maritime industries, including a shortage of seafarers, environmental concerns, safety, and the sustainable growth of the shipbuilding/ship machinery sectors. 

With strategic partners in Japan and overseas, the development project team will target the commercialization of electric-powered merchant vessels that adopt world-class propulsion systems at the most competitive price in the global market.

The team developed two types of electric vessels in the ROBOSHIP Ver. 1.0, with standard gross tonnage specifications — 499 tons and 749 tons. 

The company said the ships will be able to achieve the same speed and sailing range as vessels currently in service, while achieving zero-emission operation in port, due to the large-capacity storage batteries in combination with a diesel-powered generator. 

The ROBOSHIP Ver. 1.0 can significantly reduce not only the workload of seafarers, but also lower the risk of mechanical problems and decrease maintenance costs, as the motors are powered solely by electricity. 

The team’s current target is to keep construction costs less than 5% above the cost of comparable existing vessels and it is slated for delivery within 2022.

Together with its partners, e5 Lab added that it will promote the ROBOSHIP and accelerate maritime digital transformation (DX) by offering the ROBOSHIP BOX as well as the EV powertrain, which is a key technology of the ROBOSHIP, to all interested shipyards and shipowners. 

The ROBOSHIP BOX is the foundation that connects the vessel and shore and enables shore-side support using digital technology. 

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: e5 Lab Inc
Published: 25 August, 2020

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Newbuilding

Singapore: Pinnacle Marine’s first B100 fuelled utility boat starts 1,000-hour research trial

Newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.
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July 9, 2025

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The 50th vessel constructed by local boat builder Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd, namely President 100, is starting 1,000 hours of real-time research trials in collaboration with several parties from Wednesday (9 July) onwards, it says.

Powered by B100 biodiesel, the newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.

It will be participating in trials with Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD), Weichai Singapore, China Classification Society, Pacific International Lines (PTE) Ltd, Abo Shoten, Ltd. / 株式会社安保商店 , Abo Singapore, Wilmar International, Gulf Marine, Amspec Testing & Services, and AYK Engineering and Consulting.

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The President 100, Pinnacle Marine’s first full biodiesel utility boat, was launched on Tuesday in the presence of over 100 guests.

“Our latest vessel, President 100, merges legacy and future. Named after our first aluminium boat (“President”) and inspired by B100 biodiesel, it leads the charge for our next 50 vessels — many of which will embrace green technology,” stated Pinnacle Marine in a LinkedIn post.

“The launch was amazing, with strong turnout from across the maritime sector — authorities, shipowners, operators, agencies, chandlers, researchers, offshore engineers, and petrochemical suppliers.”

It added: “We’re excited to see how it paves the way for wider adoption of B100 biodiesel — a cleaner, sustainable path for Singapore’s harbour craft sector.”

 

Photo credit: Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Published: 9 July 2025

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Newbuilding

BHP awards charter contracts for two ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

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July 9, 2025

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BHP ammonia DF charters

Global resources company BHP on Wednesday (2 July) signed contracts with COSCO Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of COSCO shipping Group (COSCO Shipping) for the charter of two ammonia dual-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carriers.

The new vessels to be built under this arrangement will be two of only a handful of vessels in the world capable of using ammonia as a bunker fuel.

The two vessels, expected to be delivered from 2028, will primarily transport iron ore from Western Australia to Northeast Asia.

When run on lower or low to zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ammonia, these vessels will be capable of reducing GHG emissions by at least 50% and up to 95% on a per voyage basis compared to a conventionally fuelled voyage.

The five-year time charter contracts are expected to contribute towards a reduction in the GHG emissions intensity of BHP chartered shipping.

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan – the process of fuelling ships with ammonia – for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

Sourcing lower and low to zero GHG emissions ammonia is subject to an ongoing tender process.

 

Photo credit: BHP
Published: 9 July 2025

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Milestone

Everllence celebrates 1,000th ME-GI engine; milestone unit goes to Hapag-Lloyd

Engine, a 7G95ME-GI type, bound for a Hapag-Lloyd container vessel currently under construction at Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
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July 9, 2025

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Everllence, formerly known as MAN Energy Solutions, on Tuesday (8 July) celebrated the order of its 1,000th ME-GI engine that can run on either heavy fuel oil or liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a bunker fuel.

The engine, a 7G95ME-GI type, is bound for a Hapag-Lloyd container vessel currently under construction at Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. where it is designated as hull #1721.

Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd, said: “We are proud to mark this milestone with our partner, Everllence. The order for the 1,000th ME-GI engine reflects our commitment to decarbonising global supply chains. Dual-fuel technologies like the ME-GI are a key step on our journey to a low-emission fleet and support our ambition to drive change across the industry.”

Dr Uwe Lauber, CEO of Everllence, added: “Considering that the strongest interest in the ME-GI engine has come from the container segment, it is fitting that this significant milestone should be reached with an order from such a prestigious container player as Hapag-Lloyd. On the path to net-zero, the marine industry needs pioneers and Hapag-Lloyd is leading the way by example.”

“2025 has seen a large increase in ME-GI orders as methane makes for an excellent transition fuel on the way to decarbonising shipping. The ME-GI’s market-leading efficiency and technological maturity – as well as lowest methane slip – have confirmed its status as the marine industry’s default, dual-fuel, methane-fuelled engine.”

 

Photo credit: Everllence
Published: 9 July 2025

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