NYK Line is installing an engine air compression system on two LNG-fuelled coal carriers. It claims the system is a world-first.
The variable compression ratio (VCR) system is designed to reduce vessels’ greenhouse gas emissions, starting with the two new ships scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025.
The ships are to be built by Japan’s Oshima Shipbuilding.
“This will be the first time for VCR systems to be installed on vessels, including existing vessels that use heavy fuel oil as their main fuel,” NYK said.
“The VCR system can adjust the air compression ratio in the engine combustion chamber to an optimal balance according to engine power and LNG fuel properties.
“This optimal adjustment will improve fuel efficiency during operation by about 3% in LNG gas mode and about 6% in diesel oil mode.”
NYK also expects the system to help reduce GHG emissions from existing ships and improve engine efficiency when decarbonised fuels are introduced.
It said Mitsui E&S DU developed the VCR system with Winterthur Gas & Diesel a Swiss engine licensor.
“NYK is committed to deepening its partnerships with companies actively introducing and developing GHG reduction technologies and contributing to GHG reduction in the ocean shipping business.”
