Orders placed for world’s first zero-emission electric tankers

Tokyo-based Asahi Tanker Co., Ltd. has officially placed orders for two of the world’s first zero-emission electric-powered tankers, to be powered completely by large-capacity lithium ion batteries, the company announced.

Following the announcement of the initiative in March, the current statement by Asahi Tanker informs about the shipyards assigned with the vessels construction. The first tanker was assigned to Marugame-based Koa Sangyou Co., Ltd. with expected delivery in March 2022 and the second tanker went to Komatsushima-based Imura Zosen KK, with expected delivery in March 2023. Both are slated to go into service as bunker vessels in Tokyo Bay.

The two tankers will adopt the “e5 tanker” design developed by e5 Lab Inc. The Japanese consortium, made up by Asahi Tanker Co., Ltd., Exeno Yamamizu Corporation, MOL, and Mitsubishi Corporation, was launched in 2019 aiming to provide new infrastructure services with a focus on electric vessels.

The two tankers are expected to achieve zero emissions of CO2, NOx, SOx, and particulates thanks to their all-electric core energy system, as well as reduced noise pollution in the bay and its surroundings.

Meanwhile, adoption of various automated equipment and digital tools including Internet of Things (IoT) will reduce crews’ onboard workload and increase the ship’s operating efficiency.

The tankers will play a new role in contributing to measures for the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Community Life Continuity Plan (LCP) in case of disaster or emergency, by making the electricity stored in their onboard batteries — defined as “large-capacity batteries for power supply in emergency”— available to supply emergency power. Asahi Tanker and TEPCO Energy Partner, Inc. are currently working on these initiatives.