Tanker Powered By Lithium-Ion Batteries Being Developed

Asahi Tanker Co. Ltd, and Exeno-Yamamizu Corp. Tokyo, are developing new domestic shipping tanker design which the companies say incorporates zero emission electric propulsion.
The “e5” concept creates solutions to issues such as shortage of crews, vessel demand balance and environmental regulation thus contributing to the sustainability of the domestic shipping industry, according to the companies.
The new vessel design and related project infrastructure development will be known as “e5” which captures the five core elements of:

Electrification; The ships’ core energy source will be electricity, achieved by way of adopting lithium-ion batteries.
Environment; Emission controls such as CO², NOx, SOx together with minimizing noise and vibration along with improvements in vessel operation environmental controls at sea and in port.
Economics; Achieving economic efficiency through the installment of the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital tools coupled with improved propulsion performance from using electricity.
Efficiency; Simple hull construction and installment of automated equipment can reduce work load for the crew.
Evolution; Digitalization and technological advancement leading to the most advanced design concept for the future of domestic shipping.

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 target of the first vessel launching is set for the fourth quarter of 2020. The project is also working for creating “e5” coastal vessels which would require longer cruising range.
Asahi Tanker Co., Ltd. is a shipping company mainly involved in the transportation of oil-related products. Asahi Tanker Co., Ltd. will be in charge of the operation and management of the e5 vessels.
Exeno-Yamamizu Corp. is a shipbroking and cargo booking agent in Japan. In recent years, the company has expanded its focus into green business sectors such as LNG chartering and clean energy marine equipment sales. Exeno-Yamamizu is acting as project manager, shipbuilding development consultant, ship equipment sales consultant and infrastructure development coordinator for the e5 vessels project.