MITSUI O.S.K. Lines and Japanese shipping company Asahi Tanker have completed the first bunkering operation involving Akari, a new pure battery tanker.
The companies claim Akari, delivered on 28 March, is the second pure battery tanker in the world. The first, Asahi, was delivered in March last year.
Akari completed its first bunkering operation in Kawasaki on 14 April, supplying the MOL-operated iron ore carrier Unta.
MOL said the new vessel will continue zero-emissions bunking operations in the Keihin region alongside Asahi.
“Large-capacity lithium-ion batteries on the Asahi and Akari power every phase of their operations, including cargo handling, berthing/unberthing, and navigation,” MOL said.
“This results in zero emissions of greenhouse gases from the vessel.
“The tankers deliver outstanding environmental performance and are expected to reduce crewmembers’ workloads by reducing engine maintenance requirements.”
MOL and Asahi Tanker said they will continue bunkering using electric powered tankers.
