IHI Marine develops eco-tanker, eco-bulker

Japan-Based IHI Marine United Inc. has developed a tanker and bulk carrier that emit 30% less carbon dioxide than its existing offerings. The IHI Corp. subsidiary modified the bow design to reduce wave resistance and boosted the efficiency of the screw propeller. Together with a container vessel announced in June, the firm sees the three ships in its “eFuture” series as giving it the upper hand against its Chinese and South Korean rivals. IHI Marine now has a total of three eco-ships in its portfolio and hopes this will increase its competitiveness against Chinese and South Korean shipbuilders, shifting the focus from pricing to fuel efficiency. (December 6, 2010)