Japanese shipbuilders developing innovative green technology

Japanese companies engaged in shipbuilding and manufacturing of materials used in ships are developing new eco-friendly technologies. Most of them hope to create technologies that will enable ship owners to protect the environment, lower cost by improving fuel efficiency, and come within statutory limits imposed by governments for ships that dock at their ports and sail on their waters. Through these innovative technologies, Japanese shipbuilders may regain their global dominance after slipping from their top position.
Among the shipping companies involved in the development of eco-friendly technologies are:

• Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. is developing new technology that uses waste heat from the engine to help turn the ship’s screw, similar to the regenerative braking systems used in hybrid vehicles. This will help cut fuel costs by around RMB20 million (US$238,000) a year. A leader in the “eco-ship” segment, Mitsui will start building the five green bulk carriers that have been ordered. The new technology being developed will increase fuel efficiency by 4%.
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. has developed a technology that could cut energy consumption by 10% or more by reducing drag as a vessel moves through the water by squirting air bubbles beneath the bottom of the hull.
• IHI Marine United Inc. has developed a contra-rotating propeller system for large container ships that use twin engines that power the two tandem propellers to raise fuel efficiency by 30%.

These shipbuilders are speeding up development of such fuel-sipping technologies to prepare for the expected increase in demand when the International Maritime Organization’s regulations on carbon dioxide and other emissions take effect at the start of 2015. By 2025, the IMO-imposed cut in CO2 emissions will be 30%, compared with 2010 levels. Maritime shipping companies have to significantly improve their ships’ fuel efficiently to meet this goal and as a result, big shippers would be saving around RMB1 billion (US$160 million) a year in fuel costs. It is predicted that eco-ships will also command better prices in the second-hand market.
Japan’s energy-saving technologies are supported by manufacturers of components and materials used in shipbuilding, who are developing new technologies in partnership with universities and others entities, such as Nakashima Propeller Co., which holds 30% of the global market for ship screws. In collaboration with the University of Tokyo and Class NK, it has developed a screw made of lighter carbon fiber-reinforced plastic which can boost fuel efficiency by 3%. Field tests are underway and will be ready for marketing in 2014.
Yanmar Co. and Daihatsu Diesel Mfg. Co. are leading efforts to cut nitrogen oxide emissions before the new regulations take effect. These companies are among the world’s top four manufacturers of diesel engines for ships.
Nippon Paint Co. sells a low-friction paint that improves fuel efficiency by helping a ship to glide through the water more easily. It expects to offer a more advanced version that can help reduce fuel consumption by 10% starting next year. (November 15, 2012)