Developing a greener car-carrier

A new project has been launched that promises renewable energy use by vessels moored in ports without the need for shoreside power.

Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Sanyo Electric Group have joined forces for the project. Part of the shipping line’s CO2-reduction technology initiative, and sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the project will focus on car-carriers. MOL said it would result in a hybrid power supply system, combining solar power with lithium-ion batteries. The goal is zero emissions while a vessel is in berth. Electricity, generated by solar panels while the vessel is under way, is stored in the batteries, allowing the diesel generator to be shut down.

MOL will also develop a hybrid car-carrier equipped with this system – slated for launch in 2012 – and assess its CO2 reduction effect in actual operation. The project aims to establish more effective CO2-reduction technology for future vessels.