A consortium of Japanese companies is cooperating to build a hybrid propulsion system, which will be installed on a carrier operating in coastal Japan.
Namely, the hybrid propulsion for the vessel will be composed of Japan’s first gas-only engine combined with a 2,847 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Furthermore, the propulsion power and the onboard electric power during sailing will be generated by the gas-only engine developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
As for natural gas, it will only be used for power during long-distance and long-duration navigation. Additionally, the propulsion power and the onboard power while entering, leaving, and berthing will be provided from the battery to achieve zero-emissions.
The companies aspire for CO2 emission to be reduced by nearly 30% from introducing the propulsion system when compared to conventional vessels of the same type.
Construction for the new vessel is scheduled to start the operation in February 2024. When in operation, the vessel will be jointly chartered by Nippon Steel Corporation and Nippon Steel Cement transporting limestone.
