MOL in the Joint Study for Applying Aerospace Engineering to Reduce Emissions on Vessels

Four Japanese companies are conducting a joint study to improve wind-powered propulsion of vessels by applying aerospace engineering technology. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is working with MOL Tech Trade, Tokai University, and Akishima Laboratories in this study for MOL to achieve group-wide net zero emissions by 2050.

There are already many projects of MOL that involve using wind power to reduce emissions. Such as the “Wind Challenger” system was recently applied to a bulker and is to be tested later this year. MOL, Mol Tech Trade, and Akishima laboratories have collaborated to develop the “ISHIN” ship design, reducing GHG emissions by using wind power as a propulsive force. The most recent collaboration with Dr. Kota Fukuda at the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics in Tokai University, Japan, is to improve this design further. This study targets a 12% reduction in GHG emissions as opposed to the original ISHIN design, which reduced emissions by 5%.

Dr. Fukuda is a researcher in fluid mechanics, flow simulation, and aerodynamics. The joint project aims to expand their research fields to include ship engineering and the development of ocean-going vessels. The overarching goal is further optimizing the vessel design and reducing GHG emissions.