The first-ever solar-assisted car carrier called Wednesday at the Port of Long Beach in what NYK Line executives said is the first step toward the distant goal of developing a zero-emission vessel.
The top deck of the NYK Auriga Leader is equipped with 328 solar panels. The panels generate 40 kilowatts of power that feed into the vessel’s auxiliary engine. The auxiliary engine supplies the ship’s electricity and other internal power needs.
Although solar power accounts for only about 0.8 percent of the vessel’s total electrical energy consumption, it can be combined with other energy-saving measures to reduce energy consumption and limit the vessel’s carbon footprint.
The Auriga Leader was launched last December. This was its first call at Long Beach. The vessel carried automobiles for Toyota Motor and has a capacity of up to 6,200 cars.
Richard Steinke, executive director of the Port of Long Beach, said the solar project was developed and funded privately by NYK Line and is a good example of what ocean carriers are doing voluntarily to reduce pollution from their vessels.
The vessel, developed by NYK Line and Nippon Oil, is considered the first step in a short-term effort to reduce energy consumption of car carriers by 50 percent. Other measures will include ship operation improvements, a redesigned hull form, energy-efficient propulsion systems and improved cargo handling.
NYK Line executives believe the industry will eventually develop a zero-emission vessel.
The Journal of Commerce Online
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