Zero-emissions tanker project inks battery deal

Kawasaki Heavy Industries chose the Corvus Orca ESS battery for the battery-powered propulsion system on Asahi Tankers all-electric e5 vessel.

The vessel is the first zero-emissions and first all-electric vessel. It is currently under construction for Asahi Tanker Co of Tokyo, Japan.

The battery-powered vessel was designed by e5 Lab Inc, a consortium of Japanese shipping and maritime services companies, including Asahi Tanker Co, set up to build infrastructure services focused on electrically powered vessels. The seven members of the e5Consortium are: Asahi Tanker; Idemitsu Kosan; Exeno-Yamamizu Corporation; Mitsui OSK Lines; Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance; Tokyo Electric Power Company; and Mitsubishi Corporation.

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The vessel for Asahi Tanker is the first of two all-electric vessels to be built from the e5 Lab initiative and is expected to go into service in bunkering operations in Tokyo Bay by 2022. The ships will be built by KOA Industry Co and Imura Shipyard Co in Japan.

"Japan is an important market for Corvus Energy and a big part of our future growth strategy," Corvus Energy chief executive Geir Bjørkeli said.

"Like Norway, Japan is a maritime nation with a clear path towards a green future. The government has already announced ambitious plans to be free of carbon emissions by 2050, which will require significant decarbonisation initiatives in its world-leading shipping industry."

Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) was awarded the contract for the ship’s propulsion system in September 2020 and will integrate the 3,480-kWh Orca ESS from Corvus Energy to power the vessel.

According to a statement from Asahi Tankers, the e5 tanker will achieve zero emissions of CO₂, NO_x, SO_x, and particulates, dramatically reducing the vessel’s environmental impact.

"Reduced noise and vibration will create a more comfortable work environment for the crew members and limit noise pollution in the bay and its surroundings. Further, the vessel will make its battery power available to emergency services in the case of a natural disaster in Tokyo," a Corvus statement said, noting that idea was originally proposed by e5 Lab and Asahi Tankers.