https://www.tankershipping.com/news/view,the-worlds-first-pureelectric-tanker-takes-a-step-closer-to-reality_56646.htm
[Yes, you read that right: an all-electric oil tanker ship.
image in online article]
The world’s first pure-electric tanker takes a step closer to reality
Thu 31 Jan 2019 by Craig Jallal, tankers and markets editor
Asahi Tanker Co Ltd, together with its partner Exeno-Yamamizu
Corporation Tokyo, has jointly developed the new domestic shipping
tanker design 'e5' which incorporates “zero emission electric propulsion”.
The aim is to replace the current fleet of bunker tankers operating in
Tokyo Bay and development has reached the stage that ClassNK has been
appointed to advise on the ship design and electric propulsion.
The first e5 bunker tanker is an all-electric, lithium battery design,
unlike the CPC tankers, which are thought to be diesel-electric,
expected to be launched by the end of 2020.
Japan faces a unique situation with its 5,000 plus domestic fleet of
coastal vessels entering a point in their service lives when they will
need replacing in the next decade.
Similarly, only Japanese crew are allowed to serve in the domestic fleet
and the average crew age is close to 55 years old, and according to
local sources there is a reluctance for Japanese youngsters to enter
into the domestic merchant marine.
It is hoped the design of an all-electric, lithium battery tanker could
attract the technology-oriented Japanese youth to serve in the domestic
fleet.
