MOL: Containership ‘Windshield’ Achieves 2% Emissions Savings

MOL’s containership “windshield” installed aboard the MOL Marvel. Photo: MOL

Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines says it has confirmed an average 2% reduction in overall carbon dioxide emissions in live tests of its containership “windshield” technology first unveiled by the company in 2015.

The in-service demonstration of the windshield, which was co-developed by MOL, was carried out aboard the MOL-operated containership, MOL Marvel.

According to MOL, the test confirmed about a 2% average reduction in CO2 emissions while sailing at 17 knots after the windshield was installed on the bow of the ship. The 2% reduction is compared to operating an identical vessel at the same speed without the device installed.

MOL says the goal of the test was to accumulate data on operational status during service on Asia-North America East Coast routes and compare two sister ships with and without the windshield installed on the bow. The test looked to establish a method to eliminate the efficiency data from the effects of ocean waves and extract only the change in performance due to reduced wind resistance.

“This analysis method and results of performance were presented at the Japan Society of Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers’ autumn and spring meetings (November 2016 and May 2017),” MOL said in press release on Tuesday. “MOL continues efforts to confirm the windshield’s seaworthiness and sailing data analysis, and looks forward to more advanced technological development based on this research project.” continually pushes ahead with its ”

The containership windshield was developed as part of MOL’s “ISHIN NEXT – MOL SMART SHIP PROJECT”, which seeks to develop and introduce new technologies that will reduce vessels’ environmental impact and ensure safe operation, while delivering safe, reliable transport services.

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