Reducing harmful exhaust emissions from vessels is one of important environmental issues facing the shipping industry. MOL has been investigating new technologies that help to reduce harmful exhaust emissions from berthed vessels. This is of specific interest to the company operating car carriers since reduction of particulates in the exhaust gases may offer specific benefits by minimizing risks of damaging the paint of new cars during loading and discharging. The company has recently announced introduction of a new purification system mounted inside the exhaust pipes of ship’s diesel engines.

The system, developed in cooperation with K.K. Juon (Japan), a company specializing in natural remedies for environmental problems, uses oil extracted from timber thinned during forest maintenance. The purification system is installed in the diesel engine exhaust pipe and the recent prototype testing showed remarkable results – a 40% reduction of particle organic matter (PM) in the exhaust emissions. Tree oil, a bio-catalyst extracted from thinned timber, is sprayed into the exhaust gas using a method patented by Juon. Then the gas is purified by a ceramic filter. The tree oil significantly increases the efficiency of the filter, allowing more PM to be absorbed by the filter.

Other emission control measures currently tested or introduced in MOL-operated car carriers include an acoustic vibration generator inside the funnel in order to prevent the buildup of soot.

This system is now undergoing tests aboard the car carrier Splendid Ace. Having achieved positive results, MOL will begin installing this generator on all its operated vessels.