Eco Ship: Operation Tests Getting Underway
August 26, 2004
Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) expects to commence test operation of wind power generation equipment upon receipt of "Andromeda Leader," on August 26, 2004. This inaugurated car carrier, with gross tonnage of 62,200 tons, is equipped with the largest scale wind power generation equipment for use on a vessel in the world. It is designed in such a way that CO2 emissions can be reduced by cutting down the amount of electricity generated by onboard diesel-electric generation. Further, the quantity of ballast water used for stabilizing the vessel is reduced by half to minimize seawater pollution. Due to these factors, the ship has received a lot of attention as an "Eco Ship" vessel that has reduced impact on the environment.
The generating equipment is a windmill type (linear aerofoil vertical axis type windmill) with a diameter of 4m and a height of 4.5m. The equipment is the largest in the world with approximately a 30kW generation capacity during voyage and a wind speed of 25 meters per second. Since 2002, NYK has been engaged in joint development with NIPPI Corporation (Headquarters: Yokohama, Japan) and the cooperation of Prof. Kazuichi Seki of Tokai University.
Electricity obtained by this wind power generation will be used for illumination of the cargo hold. When there is a lack of wind, the electric source is switched over to a diesel generator. This is likely to be the first trial conducted in active vessels (according to our investigation).
Furthermore, to ensure safe operation onboard, a safety device to maintain the vessel's stability during turbulence has been developed and installed. A patent application for this world-first function has been filed jointly with NIPPI Corporation.
General Outline of Andromeda Leader
| (1) | Gross tonnage | : | 62,200 tons |
| (2) | Length overall | : | 199.9m |
| (3) | Sea speed | : | 20 knots |
| (4) | Quantity shipped | : | 6,400 cars (standard size automobiles) |
| (5) | Ballast water provision | : | In addition to conventional ballast sea water, due to adoption of a 3,000-ton fixed concrete ballast, the amount of ballast sea water is reduced by 50% (when the vessel has a full load of cars) as compared with that of NYK's conventional car carriers. The amount of water put into and out the vessel's tank is kept to the minimum, and the ship is environment-friendly. |
| Type of windmill | : | linear aerofoil vertical axis type |
| Windmill area | : | 18m2(Diameter 4m, height 4.5m) |
| Maximum output | : | Approx. 30kW (at wind speed of 25m/s) |
