Asahi Tanker ordered two of the world’s first zero-emission electric-powered tankers, says a press release published on their website.
Electric-powered tankers order
Asahi Tanker Co., Ltd. announced that it has ordered two of the world’s first zero-emission electric-powered tankers.
They are as follows:
| Shipyard | System Integrator | Delivery | |
| 1st tanker | Koa Sangyou Co., Ltd.
(Headquarters: Marugame, Kagawa, Japan) |
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. | March 2022 |
| 2nd tanker | Imura Zosen KK
(Headquarters: Komatsushima, Tokushima, Japan) |
March 2023 |
Tanker design
The two tankers will adopt the “e5 tanker” design developed by e5 Lab Inc.
Lithium ion batteries
They will be powered completely by large-capacity lithium ion batteries. They are slated to go into service as bunker vessels in Tokyo Bay.
Zero emission
The two tankers will achieve zero emissions of CO2, NOx, SOx, and particulates thanks to their all-electric core energy system, dramatically reducing their environmental impact.
Comfortable with environment
In addition, 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.
Crews work load
Adoption of various automated equipment and digital tools including Internet of Things (IoT) will reduce crews’ onboard workload and increase the ship’s operating efficiency.
Contribution to BCP & LCP
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 the electricity stored in their onboard batteries — defined as “large-capacity batteries for power supply in emergency”— available to supply emergency power.
Partners for this initiative
Asahi Tanker and TEPCO Energy Partner, Inc. are currently working on these initiatives.
Sustainable shipping
Asahi Tanker and e5 Lab will realize a sustainable ocean shipping industry through efforts to improve the work environment for crewmembers, which is an urgent issue facing the coastal shipping sector, and global environmental protection through the development and introduction of these advanced ships.
Tanker Specifications
Electric-powered tanker Specifications:
| （1）Dimensions | LOA 62m / Breadth 10.30m / Draft 4.15m |
| （2）Ship classification society | Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) |
| （3）Cargo | Fuel oil |
| （4）Gross tonnage | 499 tons |
| （5）Speed | About 10 knots |
| （6）Cargo tank capacity | 1,280m3 |
| （7）Propulsion equipment | Azimuth thrusters 300kw x 2 |
| Side thrusters 68kw x 2 | |
| （8）Battery capacity | 3,480kWh |
Battery powered supply
Large-capacity batteries for power supply in emergencies (for illustrative purposes only)
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Source: Asahi Tankers
