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Video: NYK unveils zero emissions car carrier concept design

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Japanese shipowner NYK has released a concept design for a zero emission car carrier.

In partnership with MTI and Elomatic from Finland NYK has conceived a design for the NYK Super Eco Ship 2050. The concept pure truck and car carrier rather than relying on fossil fuels would be powered by solar hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources resulting in zero CO2 emissions. It would also utilise waste heat recovery from the fuel cells.

As well as using renewable energy sources the amount of power required by the vessel would be reduced by 70% with optimization of the hull through a dynamic, mathematical design that uses lightweight materials for the superstructure. It would also utilise gyro stabilisers and air lubrication of the hull bottom. Conventional propellers would be replaced with flapping foils that mimic dolphin movements.

Voyage optimisation would no longer be done at a vessel level but in port and at a fleet level to ensure efficient, just-in-time cargo delivery. Meanwhile maintenance would be managed through use of digital twins.

NYK is targeting a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2030 compared to 2015 and 50% by 2050 on a ton per kilometre basis.