Japanese Shipbuilders In Race To Develop Low-Pollution Engines

Major Japanese shipbuilders are developing engines that produce less exhaust gas in preparation for more stringent international emissions regulations in 2016. Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. (TSE:7003) in December will begin testing a large next-generation, four-cylinder engine geared with denitrification equipment at its plant in Tamano, Okayama Prefecture. Its aim is to establish technology that recirculates exhaust gases and create a system that reduces nitrogen oxide emissions using catalysts. If the denitrification equipment works as intended, it is expected to cut nitrogen oxide emissions by 80 per cent compared to conventional engines.
Investment is expected to total around 1.5 billion yen (US$18.4 million), some of which will be covered by grants from the Land Ministry.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (TSE:7011) will begin field testing a similar engine in spring 2012. The company has spent around 1 billion yen to install test facilities at its Kobe shipyard and, like Mitsui, is targeting an 80 per cent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions.
Through these efforts, the companies hope to maintain a technological lead over South Korean rivals.