Seven companies in Japan have joined forces to establish the e5 Consortium to create zero-emission electric vessels.
The seven companies are Asahi Tanker, Idemitsu Kosan, Exeno Yamamizu, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, Tokyo Electric Power Company and Mitsubishi Corporation.
In the first phase of the project, the partners plan to launch the world’s first zero-emission electric tanker powered by lithium-ion batteries in March 2022.
The five values of e5 are electrification, environment, evolution, efficiency and economics. The consortium says it wants to promote sustainable growth of coastal shipping in Japan.
It says that Japan suffers from an aging maritime workforce and aging vessels, while the shipping industry needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The consortium hopes to establish a platform to offer innovative ocean shipping infrastructure based on the knowledge of each member.
