Air-lubrication trials on two NYK ships show CO2 reduction of 6pc

JAPAN's Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) have completed a two-year experiment on an air-lubrication system installed on the 19,000 dwt ro/ro ships Yamato and Yamatai, which showed an average six per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions enroute.

The system, developed with NYK units Monohakobi Technology Institute (MTI) and NYK-Hinode Line Ltd, reduces friction between the hull and seawater by means of blowing bubbles from jets up from the keel area.

The blower was installed on the two vessels when they were built. NYK said it will continue to conduct performance analyses on actual vessels and device reviews during dry docks to achieve optimal operation. The project was subsidised by the Japanese government.