Four Japanese companies have teamed up to build the world’s first zero emission tanker. Yes, it’s a coastal tanker intended for use on Tokyo Bay, not traversing the Pacific Ocean, but it’s a significant step in the right direction.
The tanker, which will be powered by electric motors and a (really large) battery pack, is projected to enter service about two years from now.
The four companies — Asahi Tanker Co., Exeno Yamamizu Corp., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., and Mitsubishi Corp — have created a joint venture called e5 Lab Inc. to build and operate the tanker.
Cargo ships are serious emitters of carbon dioxide because many of them operate on what is politely known as bunker oil, which is basically the sludge left over after crude oil has been refined into dozens of commercial products from jet fuel to gasoline to the stuff they make asphalt out of.
Speaking of asphalt, that’s what that bunker oil is like. It is loaded with sulfur and so thick and gooey, it needs to be heated to make it flow to the engine.
Many nations are proposing rules and regulations to require ship owners to burn low sulfur fuel and clean up their carbon emissions, but those restrictions can only be enforced when the ships are within their territorial waters.
Reference- Clean Technica, e5 Lab Inc. PR