Transport

Solar power is to take to the sea with the announcement of plans from two Japanese companies to work on a ship with partially solar-powered propulsion engines.

Japanese shipping concern Nippon Yusen KK is reputedly investing ¥150 million ($1.4 million) in a solar panel system to be designed by Nippon Oil Corporation.

The 40 kW solar panel system will be installed on a 60,000 tonne car carrier for Toyota, which is scheduled to be completed later this year. It will provide 0.2% of the vessel’s propulsion energy, reduce fuel oil usage by 6.5% and CO₂ emissions by 1-2%.

Solar power has been used on large vessels before, but only to provide power for the crew’s living quarters.

If this first attempt on a partially solar-powered vessel proves successful, Nippon Oil will be looking at full commercialisation of the system over the next 3-5 years.

For further information:
www.nykline.co.jp/english/index.htm
www.eneos.co.jp/english/