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Vessel operation

[ Combating Global Warming ]

To achieve its long-term vision for the prevention of global warming, NYK sets targets for the reduction of CO2 emissions from its ships and uses every means at its disposal to achieve those targets. We use CO2 emissions per unit of vessel-transport work as an environmental-management indicator that conforms to IMO^*1 guidelines, and our proprietary Ecoreport data-management system allows us to calculate performance and manage goals.

*1 IMO (International Maritime Organization)
a UN specialist organization to promote intergovernmental cooperation and formulate treaties and protocols covering technical and legal questions in marine transport and shipbuilding

NYK has traditionally conducted its Save Bunker Campaign as a mean of conserving fuel and reducing CO2 emissions. We, the NYK Group, have been running our Save Bunker Campaign since October 2005, and throughout the years, the name has changed to "Save Bunker Plus"(2007), "Save Bunker Innovation"(2008), "Save Bunker Explorer"(2009). During the "Save Bunker Explorer"(2009), a save bunker mission task force has been placed and worked on enlightenment and improvement of the activity. Their heart has been succeded to each department for this year's campaign,"NENSETSU 2010"and NYK will continue the effort toward Saving Bunker.

A number of effects can be achieved by adding materials to fuel oil. Broken down by objective, they include: (1) fuel conservation, (2) prevention of engine and equipment problems, and prevention of soiling and corrosion, (3) reduction of maintenance and upkeep, and (4) cleansing of emission gases. Field experiments using commissioned ships indicate that additives will improve fuel economy by 1.5% or more, and we therefore make active use of them in virtually our entire fleet. Additives also help to reduce air pollution by suppressing CO2 emissions and particulate matter.

Seaweed and crustaceans adhere to hulls and propellers, and result in increased propulsion resistance, which drops ship speed and increases fuel consumption. Ordinarily, antifouling paint is used on ship bottoms to prevent matter from adhering to the hull, but after the passage of time, organisms begin to adhere anyway, and underwater cleaning (UWC) is subsequently required. Extraneous matter adhering to propellers also limits propulsion efficiency, so propellers are polished as well. UWC results in a fuel-consumption savings of about 10%, and propeller polishing leads to a 1%-2% savings. These are some of the reasons why NYK actively maintains its ships.

An exhaust gas economizer is installed in most large vessels. Here it turns a turbogenerator with steam that is generated by using the waste energy from the main engine and provides the electricity used during navigation. As a result, the ship does not have to use fuel specifically to generate electricity. A turbogenerator might not be installed on a comparatively small ship. In that case, the steam from the main engine is used for heating and cooking and supplying hot water.

Traditionally, the ship data required for operational management is recorded on board by hand in an abstract log (documentation delivered to onshore sites) and is then submitted to the operations staff upon completion of the voyage. In January 2007, NYK began using an electronic abstract log information system named the Ship Performance Analyzing System (SPAS), which enables onshore operations staff to monitor ship conditions on a daily basis. By the end of FY 2007, the system had been installed on about 520 ships. The operations staff can get up-to-date information on ship speed and fuel consumption, which enables this staff to provide more detailed instructions to the ship and achieve more efficient operations. Sales departments and other relevant business units can share the same information, and the accumulated voyage data can be searched and tabulated for use in activities to further conserve fuel.

The BRIDGE system delivers information of up-to-date weather forecasts and sea conditions to vessels. It enables to assist the preparation of a safe and efficient navigation plan and displays up to 10 days' worth information of weather and sea conditions in increments of six hours. It also can provide more detailed information than conventional weather charts distributed by facsimile.
In addition, we have innovated "NYK e-missions'", which is a seamless integrated operation management system, to support the operators on land by gathering multiple information, such as BRIDGE system of each ships. By using these 2 systems efficiently, it enables us to share information of weather and sea condition onshore and offshore, which will lead us to a more environmentally friendly operation company.

Crystal Cruises Inc. has carried out light-replacement measures, including automated light programming that eliminates or reduces electricity use in public areas when they are not in use or when ample natural light is available, and the installation of infrared coated light bulbs that use 30% less energy than standard bulbs. These measures have saved more than 960,000 kWh — equivalent to eliminating more than 5,000 light bulbs per year.
In addition, the company has begun to use EcoHangers that are 100% recyclable and manufactured from 100% recycled materials for its guest laundering services. In conjunction with the hangers, Crystal Cruises now also utilizes washable garment bags for laundry distribution, eliminating the use of more than 100,000 plastic bags per year on its cruise ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.