The NYK Line’s MV NYK Altair recently arrived in Europe on her maiden voyage. The 332m container vessel of 10,000TEU capacity achieves 24.5 kts from her single Wartsila 12RT-flex 96C and is engine equipped with an efficiency improving waste heat recovery The launch earlier this year of the MV NYK Altair confirms NYK’s commitment to environmentally responsible transportation and its commitment to move toward the company’s concept ship NYK Super Eco Ship 2030.
The NYK Super Eco Ship 2030 gives a good insight of how ships may be twenty years hence and was conceived in a joint effort by Elomatic of Finland, Italian Garroni Design and the Monohakobi Technology Institute of Japan.
The futuristic vessel is of 353m length has four propulsion motors totalling 40MW. Electricity for the motors is provided by fuel cell(s) using LNG as fuel which produces 30 per cent less CO2 emissions as their diesel equivalent.. In addition, solar cells augment power by 1-2MW and using sails, harnessing wind power gives an equivalent power of 1-3MW.
It is estimated that in the running of the ship an overall reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 70 per cent is expected, compared to a similar sized vessel of today. This remarkable reduction is achieved by many factors including, electric propulsion concepts using fuel cells operating on LNG, solar cells and sails harnessing wind power, reducing the ship’s weight through new container storage concepts, a new container loading system, and reduced hull friction due to air lubrication.
A new powerplant layout locates the main power generation in the forward part of the ship and electric motors aft. Power losses are eliminated by the use of low temperature superconductor motors and cabling. Propulsion comprises two tunnel thrusters and two azimuth pods with contra-rotating propellers to reduce losses: the pods provided steering eliminating the need for rudders. In the bow, two multipurpose retractable thrusters ensure full manouvrability of the ship for docking.
Much of the voyage between Asia and Europe enjoys strong sunlight: to take full advantage of this clean and renewable source of energy, 31,000m2 of solar cells cover the entire upper decks, capable of generating up to 9MW of electric power. Also when conditions are favorable, eight retractable telescopic masts carrying lightweight airfoil sails totaling 4,000m2 can be deployed to take advantage of the power of the wind.
The NYK Super Eco Ship 2030 gives a good insight of how ships may be twenty years hence and was conceived in a joint effort by Elomatic of Finland, Italian Garroni Design and the Monohakobi Technology Institute of Japan.
The futuristic vessel is of 353m length has four propulsion motors totalling 40MW. Electricity for the motors is provided by fuel cell(s) using LNG as fuel which produces 30 per cent less CO2 emissions as their diesel equivalent.. In addition, solar cells augment power by 1-2MW and using sails, harnessing wind power gives an equivalent power of 1-3MW.
It is estimated that in the running of the ship an overall reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 70 per cent is expected, compared to a similar sized vessel of today. This remarkable reduction is achieved by many factors including, electric propulsion concepts using fuel cells operating on LNG, solar cells and sails harnessing wind power, reducing the ship’s weight through new container storage concepts, a new container loading system, and reduced hull friction due to air lubrication.
A new powerplant layout locates the main power generation in the forward part of the ship and electric motors aft. Power losses are eliminated by the use of low temperature superconductor motors and cabling. Propulsion comprises two tunnel thrusters and two azimuth pods with contra-rotating propellers to reduce losses: the pods provided steering eliminating the need for rudders. In the bow, two multipurpose retractable thrusters ensure full manouvrability of the ship for docking.
Much of the voyage between Asia and Europe enjoys strong sunlight: to take full advantage of this clean and renewable source of energy, 31,000m2 of solar cells cover the entire upper decks, capable of generating up to 9MW of electric power. Also when conditions are favorable, eight retractable telescopic masts carrying lightweight airfoil sails totaling 4,000m2 can be deployed to take advantage of the power of the wind.