New Japanese consortium to develop zero-emission vessels

Rendering of a zero-emission tanker being developed by e5 Lab and its partners (Photo: e5 Lab/Mitsui OSK Lines)

Japanese companies Asahi Tanker, Idemitsu Kosan, Exeno Yamamizu Corporation, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Insurance, Tokyo Electric Power Company, and Mitsubishi Corporation have established a new consortium with the goal of developing zero-emission oceangoing electric vessels for commercial use.

Among other things, the e5 Consortium plans to launch the world’s first zero-emission electric tanker (pictured), powered by large-capacity lithium ion batteries, by March 2022. This vessel will be operated primarily in Tokyo Bay.

The establishment of the new consortium comes less than a year after four of the partners — Asahi Tanker, Exeno Yamamizu, MOL, and Mitsubishi — formed the strategic partnership named e5 Lab with the same goal of developing zero-emission vessels.


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