Mitsui O.S.K. Lines announced completion of the concept development for its third in a series of next-generation vessels. The latest concept was developed for an environment-friendly, large-scale iron ore carrier called the ISHIN-III. Waste heat energy recovery to assist propulsion and reduction of CO2 emissions at low speeds are the main features of this concept.

The new concept seeks to maximize waste heat energy recovery with more advanced technology. A large amount of heat energy can be recovered from the large main engine's exhaust gas. When this heat energy is converted to electricity, and utilized to provide additional propulsion, this significantly reduces the vessel’s environmental burden. Furthermore, combination of a turbocharger that can operate at high efficiency even at low rpm and an electronically-controlled main engine help to reduce CO2 emissions even during a low-speed voyage. By introducing and adopting a combination of new technologies, CO2 emissions will be reduced by 30%.

Overall CO2 emissions can be reduced by over 50% when a new "Wind Challenger Project" gets under way. The project is development of a wind-driven vessel, led by Tokyo University, MOL, shipbuilder, material maker, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, and other ocean shipping companies.