Asahi Tanker has ordered two zero-emission electrically-powered tankers at Koa Sangyo and Imura Shipbuilding in Japan.
Asahi Tanker announced it would order the ships earlier this year without naming the yards involved.
The first of the 499-gt vessels will be delivered from Koa Sangyo in 2022 and the second in from Imura 2023.
Both yards specialise in the construction of coastal tankers. The ship’s propulsion system, including a 3,480 kilowatt-hour lithium battery to power the ship, will be provided by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
Asahi Tanker will deploy in bunkering operations in Tokyo Bay.
Asahi Tanker said: “The two tankers will achieve zero emissions of CO2, NOx, SOx, and particulates thanks to their all-electric core energy system, dramatically reducing their environmental impact.
“In addition, their 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.”
Through an agreement Tokyo Electrical Power Co, the vessels will also make their battery power available to emergency services in the case of a natural disaster in Tokyo.
The newbuilding project is part of the e5 Lab Inc project involving companies from the Japanese maritime cluster interested in building zero-emission vessels.
The e5 consortium is made up of Asahi Tanker, Idemitsu Kosan, Exeno Yamamizu Corp, Mitsui OSK Lines, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, TEPCO and Mitsubishi Corporation.
In May this year Asahi Tanker, a subsidiary of MOL, ordered two 50,000-dwt MR tankers at Onomichi Shipbuilding in Japan. The vessels are due for delivery in the first half of 2022.
