In Japan, tanker fleet operator Asahi Tanker Co. Ltd has announced that it has decided to build two of the world’s first zero-emission battery-electric propulsion tankers. The vessel specifications will use the “e5 tanker” planned and designed by e5 Lab Inc., which was jointly established by Exeno Yamamizu Corporation, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd (MOL), Mitsubishi Corporation, and Asahi Tanker. The lithium-ion battery-powered vessels will be completed sequentially from March 2022 to March 2023.
The vessels are pure battery tankers powered by large-capacity lithium-ion batteries are scheduled to enter Tokyo Bay as a marine fuel supply vessel. By completely electrifying the ship’s core energy system, the aim is to achieve zero emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as local air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter (PM).
In addition to suppressing noise and vibration, the vessel will be operated in consideration of the crew and the environment around the port. Various digital tools, including various automated equipment and the Internet of Things (IoT) will be adopted to reduce the burden of crew onboard work and improve operating efficiency.
Asahi Tanker and e5 Lab will work on improving the crew’s working environment and protecting the global environment, which are urgent issues for coastal shipping, through the development and introduction of advanced vessels, and will continue to provide safer and higher quality transport services.
