A partnership of Japanese companies led by technology firm e5 Lab has begun developing a new range of vessels capable of zero-emission operations.
The two vessels, which will have gross tonnages of 499 tonnes and 749 tonnes, respectively, are expected to be able to achieve the same speed and sailing range as vessels currently in service, while achieving zero-emission operation in port, due to the large-capacity storage batteries in combination with a diesel-powered generator.
The first vessel to be developed under the project is scheduled to enter service by 2022.
