MOL to launch hybrid car carrier in June 2012

Mitsui O.S.L. Lines (MOL) has announced a scheduled launch in June 2012 of a hybrid car carrier following the finalisation of the exterior and basic design of the vessel, Seatrade Asia online reports.The environmentally-friendly vessel will be equipped with a hybrid electric power supply system that combines solar power panels for generation with lithium-ion batteries for power storage. The system eliminates the need for diesel-powered generators, allowing the ship to achieve zero emissions at the pier, according to MOL. The ship's technology is the result of a cooperative study group from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Sanyo Electric Group and MOL. The car carrier is scheduled to be launched at Kobe in June 2012.