The shipping industry has long awaited a green overhaul and as days go by, we’ve come across ships going eco-friendly and energy efficient, one of which is the “Emerald Ace” carrier ship. Built to carry hybrid vehicles for Mitsubishi, this green ship uses a “Hybrid Power Supply System” developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) Ltd that generates solar energy using a 160kW onboard Photovoltaic array that in turn stores the juice collected in 2.2MWh of lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable batteries. When anchored, the ship makes use of the energy generated via the solar panels instead of the diesel generators without emitting greenhouse gases. Capable of carrying 6,400 compact cars at a time, this massive hybrid ship is indeed an example for the shipping industry.
[Nikkeibp]
