Japanese consortium to adopt ABB electric propulsion system
Conceptual images of Roboship (Source: e5 Lab, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding)
Japanese shipping consortium, e5 Lab Inc, will adopt ABB’s hybrid-electric distribution and propulsion technology for Roboship, a design for a new biomass fuel carrier to be built by Honda Heavy Industries Co Ltd. Partners in the e5 Lab consortium are Asahi Tanker Co Ltd, Exeno Yamamizu Corporation, Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd, and Mitsubishi Corporation.
The 70m-long bulk carrier will be equipped with a modular electrical propulsion package from ABB that will include propulsion motors, switchboards, batteries, generators, and ABB’s remote diagnostics system for continuous monitoring and remote support.
The setup will enable energy from a range of sources to be used for maximum efficiency and emissions-free operation. The 499-gt vessel will have low maintenance costs, reduced noise and vibration, and improved manoeuvrability in port, ABB said.
Speaking for ABB Marine & Ports, division president Juha Koskela said: “Electric-powered ships are key to the shipping industry’s sustainable future – and we take pride in providing our customers with highly efficient electric propulsion solutions that are compliant with today’s regulations and allow integrating with emissions-free energy sources in the future.”
The e5 Lab project is one of the initiatives in progress following a declaration from the Japanese Shipowners’ Association that it is targeting net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
