Seven Japanese companies established the “e5 Consortium” to develop, realize, and commercialize zero-emission electric vessels for a greener shipping industry. Those companies include Asahi Tanker, Idemitsu Kosan, Tokyo Electric Power Company, Exeno Yamamizu Corporation, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, and Mitsubishi Corporation. e5 stands for the project’s five core values; electrification, environment, evolution, efficiency, and economics.
The new project expands on the efforts of the e5 Lab, which was jointly established in August 2019 by four of the companies, including Exeno Yamamizu, MOL, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Asahi Tanker. Its main goal is to help Japan’s shipping industry curb greenhouse gas emissions through the development of innovative green technologies.
In March 2020, Asahi Tanker announced that it would build two of the world’s first zero-emission electric propulsion tankers, powered by large-capacity lithium-ion batteries. The vessel will use the “e5 tanker” designed and developed by e5 Lab. The electric tankers will be used as a marine fuel supply vessel for Tokyo Bay and are expected to be completed consecutively from March 2022 to March 2023.
To achieve zero emissions of NOx (nitrogen oxide), SOx (sulfur oxide), CO2 (carbon dioxide), and smoke, the ship’s core energy system will be completely electrified. The vessel will also include automated equipment to improve operating efficiency and reduce the crew’s workload.
Through the development and introduction of advanced green vessels, Asahi Tanker and e5 Lab will work on improving the crew’s working environment, protecting the global environment. They will continue to provide safer and higher quality transport services.
