World's first digital smart ship notation highlights energy efficiency

ClassNK’s DSS notation was developed with the aim of supporting environmental conservation, improving safety, and sustainable development at sea by promoting the expansion and development of new technologies. Sakura Leader’s accreditation was for energy efficiency, affirming that the vessel is making advanced efforts using innovative technology.

A statement from NYK said “The acquisition of this notation aims to further improve environmental protection and safety by making use of our technical know-how and utilising it for future technological development.”

The company said its internal management encourages the development of ship operation data-related systems like its SIMS data sharing system and Live for Shipmanager - an application that gathers operation data collected by SIMS to enable owners and operators to use it for optimal operation.

NYK said with the support of Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the vessel will make maximum use of LNG fuel and demonstrate CO₂ emissions reduction in operations. Functions related to this DSS notation will also be used to measure emissions reduction.

Last week Sakura Leader was part of Japan’s first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering when it received LNG fuel from a newly built bunkering vessel at the berth of Shin Kurushima Toyohashi Shipbuilding Co.