A consortium of Japanese companies is designing a massive electric
tanker. This monstrous 62-meter-long ship, presented as the 'first
zero-emission electric tanker in the world, powered by high-capacity
lithium-ion batteries', is due to be inaugurated in March 2022. It
carries a huge 3.5 MWh battery.
Traditionally, to move, tankers
use an unrefined fuel oil of poor quality. As such, they are regularly
accused of generating heavy pollution, particularly sulfur or nitrogen
oxide, equivalent to that of millions of vehicles. Without entering into
this debate, it is certain that sea freight must, like other sectors,
become more virtuous. For these giants of the seas, as on land, one of
the alternatives is electrification.
A tonnage of 499 tonnes
Last year, China already unveiled an
electric cargo ship equipped with a 2.4 MWh battery. In Japan, a
consortium of companies has been working since May 2020 on an even more
impressive vessel: an oil tanker with a 3.5 MW battery.
This
mastodon will have a tonnage of 499 tonnes and a capacity of
approximately 1,300 m³. It will move thanks to two main thrusters of 300
kW supported by two other lateral thrusters of 68 kW. To provide them
with sufficient energy, Corvus Energy will equip the vessel with a
battery with a capacity of nearly 3.5 MWh: 3,480 kWh to be precise.
Moreover,
this gargantuan battery will confer a secondary role to this electric
tanker. Indeed, in the event of a natural disaster in Tokyo, it will be
used to supply electricity to the city's emergency services.
Reduced noise pollution
The Asahi Tanker firm has placed an order
for two of these vessels. As noted above, the first will enter service
in March 2022; the second a year later, in March 2023.
The
company explains: 'These two tankers will not produce any CO2, NOx, SOx
or particulate emissions thanks to their fully electric central energy
system, which will significantly reduce their impact on the environment.
In addition, the reduction of noise and vibration will create a more
comfortable working environment for crew members and limit noise
pollution in the bay and its surroundings. '
Okay, ironically, this green tanker will carry oil destined for other ships.
Source : Electrek
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