CO2 Emission Rules Planned for Ships

Japan will develop fuel-efficiency standards for large ships over the next three years to cut carbon dioxide emissions. The standards will enable marine transportation companies to see the fuel economy of their ships, particularly large ones, before they are constructed. The transport ministry hopes the Japanese standards will eventually be upgraded to international standards.

Shipbuilders are expected to publicize the energy-conservation performances of their ships by using the standards. The transport ministry will take into account various conditions, such as wind speed, wind direction and wave height when developing the indexes. That way, shipbuilders and marine transportation companies will be able to see fuel efficiency in both calm and stormy weather patterns. Tests will be conducted using model ships and computer simulations. Results will be compared with fuel consumed by actual ships to adjust and improve accuracy.