Having worked together on the 2009 concept for a container ship for 2030, Elomatic of Finland, Japanese shipping company NYK Group and NYK’s technology arm MTI have announced a concept design for an emissions-free pure car and truck carrier, NYK Super Eco Ship 2050.
“We are honoured that NYK Group have continued trusting in our ability to provide technical and technological solutions for a greener future. One of our core goals is to assist our customers in their struggle against the most significant challenges of our time. The greatest of these are environmental wellbeing, resource sufficiency and questions related to technology upheaval,” said Elomatic chief executive Patrik Rautaheimo.
Compared to current vessels, the NYK Super Eco Ship 2050 will reduce CO2 emissions by 100%.
Elomatic was responsible for the concept creation and visualisation. The development of NYK Super Eco Ship 2050 is part of NYK Group’s innovations in the 'Staying Ahead 2022 with Digitalization and Green' medium-term management plan.
The resistance of the vessel was reduced by 35% by remodelling the hull to decrease water friction, by reducing the weight of the hull and by minimising air resistance.
The improvements were validated with computational fluid dynamics calculations.
Further improvements were made by introducing fuel cells for electric propulsion, relying on other highly efficient propulsion devices and generating renewable energy on board the vessel.
The energy demand of the vessel was cut by approximatley 70% by eliminating energy and operational waste. The minimised energy demand enables truly emissions-free operation.
Instead of fossil fuels, the ship is powered by hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources.
Other futuristic elements in the concept include lightweight bionic designs found in nature, 3D printing for building materials, a digital twin of the vessel and flapping foils inspired by dolphins to replace less efficient traditional propellers.
Digitalisation and the steps being taken toward decarbonisation in shipping are subjects that will be discussed at the Asian Tanker Conference this coming February in Singapore.
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.