Japanese shipping company Asahi Tanker and compatriot shipbroking company Exeno-Yamamizu Corporation Tokyo have jointly developed a new domestic shipping tanker design which incorporates zero-emission electric propulsion.
The first vessel is planned to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2020. Its core energy source will be electricity, achieved by way of adopting lithium-ion batteries.
According to the two companies, the new vessel design and related project infrastructure development will be known as “e5”, incorporating five core elements — electrification, environment, economics, efficiency and evolution.
The “e5” vessel will feature a length of 60 meters and a width of 10.3 meters and will have a cargo tank capacity of 1,300 cubic meters.
In anticipation of future adaptations to regulatory conformity, ClassNK has been appointed to make technical advice on ship design and electric propulsion.
Commercial model development of “e5” design is underway for all bunker supply vessels trading in Tokyo Bay. The project is also working for creating “e5” coastal vessels which would require longer cruising range.
As explained, the new concept creates solutions to issues such as a shortage of crews, vessel demand balance, and environmental regulation, thus contributing to the sustainability of the domestic shipping industry.
The project is confident that, by utilizing the “e5” concept of ocean transport, stable energy supply will be achieved.