NYK Line to develop solar generator for car carrier by December

NYK Line to develop solar generator for car carrier by December NYK Line and Nippon Oil Corp. have agreed to jointly develop a system to partially utilize solar power to propel ships.
   The companies will develop a solar power generator capable of producing as much as 40 kilowatts of gross power, enough to supplement existing power production on large vessels.
   'Against a backdrop of intensifying pressure on companies worldwide to combat global warming, NYK engaged in the research and development of next-generation eco-friendly ships including technologies to utilize recyclable energy for all aspects of ocean transportation,' the Japanese carrier said in a statement. 'On the other hand, Nippon Oil as a leading global total energy solutions company, has been working to cultivate the market for solar photovoltaic power generation systems, and has continued the development of related new products.'
   The solar generator will be installed on a car carrier by Dec. 19, NYK said.
   'The installation of solar power generators onto ships has been limited to use within crews' onboard living areas due to the harsh shipboard environment, which is subject to salt water damage and constant vibrations,' the carrier said. 'However, through this project, NYK and Nippon Oil will begin testing the 40-kilowatt solar generation system by installing it onto the car-carrier and connecting it to the onboard 440V electrical network.
   Toyota Motor Corp. has agreed to support the initiative as a shipper in order to reduce CO2 emissions from the ocean transportation of its finished cars, NYK added.