- Asahi Tanker Co., Exeno Yamamizu Corp., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., and Mitsubishi Corp have teamed up to build the world’s first zero-emission tanker.
- The world’s first zero-emission to be launched in mid-2021 will be powered by large-capacity batteries.
- Rolls-Royce Holdings had started offering battery-powered ship engines while Norway’s Kongsberg Gruppen ASA is developing an electric container vessel.
- Navigating thousands of miles across oceans because of the need to recharge batteries is a major challenge for these technologies.
According to an article published in Bloomberg News, four Japanese companies have teamed up to build the world’s first zero-emission tanker by mid-2021.
Powered by batteries
The zero-emission tanker will be powered by large-capacity batteries and will operate in Tokyo Bay, according to a statement on Tuesday. The new company e5 Lab Inc. is a venture between Asahi Tanker Co., Exeno Yamamizu Corp., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., and Mitsubishi Corp.
Electric oil tanker to combat environment issues
The global maritime industry is facing an onslaught of legislation to improve its environmental performance. From next year, a majority of vessels will have to burn fuel containing less sulfur. A challenge requiring even more innovation, though, is a goal to halve shipping’s carbon emissions by 2050.
Gaining momentum
While fully-electric ships have struggled to penetrate major markets, momentum is gathering. Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc said last year that it had started offering battery-powered ship engines, while Norway’s Kongsberg Gruppen ASA is developing an electric container vessel. Still, there are challenges in making the technology applicable to ships navigating thousands of miles across oceans because of the need to recharge batteries.
Moving towards greener pastures
Industries from auto to aviation are also looking to go electric. Komatsu Ltd., the world’s second-biggest construction equipment, has developed its first-battery powered electric diggers. Electric-plane company Eviation Aircraft Ltd., which has signed up its first customer, predicts that in a few years it may not be able to keep up with orders.
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Source: BloombergNews
