The rounded bow shape aims to minimise wind resistance and is expected to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by about 2% compared to conventional car carriers of today.
MOL will construct four FLEXIE series car carriers at Minaminippon Shipbuilding and deliveries are scheduled in 2017 and 2018.
The innovative new shape is the result of a joint research by MOL, MOL Techno-Trade and Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui Zosen) Inc.
MOL has already developed the wind resistance-reducing car carrier Courageous Ace, the new energy-saving windshield for containerships to reduce wind resistance, and a new prototype sailing rig called the ‘Power Assist Sail’.
MOL is also participating in the ‘Wind Challenger Project’, led by University of Tokyo, promoting R&D on ways to cut wind resistance and utilize wind to help propel the merchant ships of the future.
“The innovative bow design introduced today is a result of those efforts,” MOL said.
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