Asahi Tanker Orders 2 Of World’s First Zero-Emission Electric-Powered Tankers

Asahi Tanker Co., Ltd. announced that it has ordered two of the world’s first zero-emission electric-powered tankers. The two tankers will adopt the “e5 tanker” design developed by e5 Lab Inc. They will be powered completely by large-capacity lithium-ion batteries and are slated to go into service as bunker vessels in Tokyo Bay.

The two tankers will achieve zero emissions of CO2, NOx, SOx, and particulates thanks to their all-electric core energy system, dramatically reducing their environmental impact. In addition, their reduced noise and vibration will create a more comfortable work environment for the crewmembers and limit noise pollution in the bay and its surroundings.

Asahi Tanker, Exeno Yamamizu, MOL and MC Agree on Strategic Partnership To Develop Zero-emission Fully Electric Vessels — Image Credit: mol.co.jp

The adoption of various automated equipment and digital tools including the 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.

Asahi Tanker and e5 Lab will realize a sustainable ocean shipping industry through efforts to improve the work environment for crewmembers, which is an urgent issue facing the coastal shipping sector, and global environmental protection through the development and introduction of these advanced ships.

Electric-powered tanker Specifications

Dimensions LOA 62m / Breadth 10.30m / Draft 4.15m
Ship classification society Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK)
Cargo Fuel oil
Gross tonnage 499 tons
Speed About 10 knots
Cargo tank capacity 1,280m3
Propulsion equipment Azimuth thrusters 300kw x 2 | Side thrusters 68kw x 2
Battery capacity 3,480kWh

Shipyard	System Integrator	Delivery
1st tanker	Koa Sangyou Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Marugame, Kagawa, Japan)	Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.	March 2022
2nd tanker	Imura Zosen KK (Headquarters: Komatsushima, Tokushima, Japan)	Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.	March 2023