Japan: Large car ferry completes demo test of auto berthing, un-berthing at actual pier May 24, 2021, by Naida Hakirevic
Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMST), Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui Zosen), and MOL Ferry have announced the success of a demonstration test of their jointly developed auto berthing and un-berthing system at an actual pier in Oarai Port, Ibaraki Prefecture, using the large-size car ferry Sunflower Shiretoko.
Back in August 2018, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism (MLIT) selected this joint initiative for its autonomous vessel demonstration project.
As explained, this demonstration test is a world first from two aspects the use of a large car ferry with a gross tonnage of 11,410 tons on one of its service routes and conducting the test using an actual pier.
Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui Zosen) Inc., and MOL Ferry Co., Ltd. announced the success of a demonstration test (from March to April 2021) of their jointly developed auto berthing and un-berthing system at an actual pier in Oarai Port, Ibaraki .
Home / Shipping News / International Shipping News / Energy-saving “PBCF Reaches Milestone Orders Received for 3,500 Vessels Achieves 3%-5% Reduction in Fuel Consumption, Helping in-service Vessels Comply with Future Fuel Efficiency Regulation
Energy-saving “PBCF Reaches Milestone Orders Received for 3,500 Vessels Achieves 3%-5% Reduction in Fuel Consumption, Helping in-service Vessels Comply with Future Fuel Efficiency Regulation
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. yesterday announced that Propeller Boss Cap Fins (PBCF), marketed by its group company MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd. has now been ordered for 3,500 vessels.
PBCF is an energy-saving device attached to the propeller of a vessel. It breaks up the hub vortex generated behind the rotating propeller, resulting in energy savings of 3% to 5% compared to an identical vessel not equipped with PBCF. Higher fuel efficiency in turn cuts emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), reducing the shipping industry’s environmental impact.