MOL and e5 lab ink MOU to develop hydrogen hybrid PCC

Written by Nick Blenkey
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Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and e5 Lab. Inc. have signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) to conduct a joint study of a hybrid pure car carrier equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell system and large-capacity batteries.

The aim is to develop a hydrogen hybrid PCC that would achieve zero emissions when underway in coastal waters or in ports as its propulsive force would come from electricity supplied by the hydrogen fuel cell system and large-capacity batteries.

When navigating in the open sea, the hydrogen hybrid PCC’s motor would be powered by an LNG-fueled generator and the large-capacity batteries, resulting in significantly lower emissions than current vessels equipped with diesel engines operating on heavy oil.

MOL has worked to realize zero emissions of vessels while in ports since it announced its future vision for the next-generation “ISHIN-I” car carrier series in 2009. In 2012, it launched the world’s first hybrid car carrier, the Emerald Ace, which is equipped with the world’s largest-scale solar power generation system and batteries. The hydrogen hybrid PCC concept moves a further step ahead from these past projects, and MOL is pursuing the possibility of introducing more extensive and more advanced technologies with the goal of zero emissions.

Both MOL and e5 Lab will first conduct technological and business feasibility studies of the hydrogen hybrid PCC, and will move on to the next phase of joint development for a practical of hydrogen hybrid PCC based on the results.

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