Japan’s Imoto Lines unveils hybrid feeder boxship concept

Japanese shipping company Imoto Lines has unveiled the first image of a coastal feeder containership that will be fitted with a hybrid electric propulsion system.

The 499GT, 200TEU vessel will feature both installed and swappable containerised batteries as well as generators. The propulsion will deliver cruising ranges of 5,000 kilometres in hybrid mode and 333 kilometres in pure electric mode using five containerised batteries.

The design will also be of modular construction to help reduce manufacturing costs and to allow the vessel to be upgraded as new systems become available in the future, thus ensuring a long service life.

Imoto Lines said the project to develop the new containership aims to solve three major issues facing coastal shipping, namely decarbonisation, seafarer shortages, and safe operation.

The vessel will conduct demonstration sailings between the ports of Kobe and Hiroshima. Its entry into regular service is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.

Construction will take place at Miura Shipbuilding in Saiki City.