Cargo ships, powered by heavy fuel oil with a high sulfur content, are some of the largest and most polluting vehicles on the planet, so electrifying them could be very cost-effective in terms of reducing air pollution.

Last year, a consortium of Japanese companies announced a collaboration to develop an all-electric oil tanker. Now Asahi Tanker has ordered two of the new electric tankers, and plans to put them into operation as soon as March 2022 and March 2023. The first of the electric tanker ships is now under construction, and it will be equipped with a massive 3.5 MWh battery pack.

Ironically, the all-electric vessels will be used to carry fuels for other vessels in coastal areas of Japan.

“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,” Asahi Tanker announced. “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.”

Corvus Energy will supply the battery pack for the 62-meter ship. “Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) was awarded the contract for the ship’s propulsion system September of 2020 and will integrate the 3,480 kWh Orca ESS from Corvus Energy to power the vessel,” said Asahi Tanker.

The vessel’s large battery pack may also be made available to provide emergency power in the case of a natural disaster in Tokyo.

Source: Corvus Energy via Electrek