Archives for September 2024

“K” Line : Consortium selected for NEDO’s next-generation floating offshore wind power technology development project

September 12, 2024 by Julia Hiles

Feasibility study on a large-scale floating vertical axis wind turbine

Albatross Technology Inc.

Electric Power Development Co., Ltd.

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc.

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.

Sumitomo Heavy Industries Marine & Engineering Co., Ltd.

A consortium of five companies—Albatross Technology Inc. (Albatross), Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-POWER), Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (TEPCO HD), Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), and Sumitomo Heavy Industries Marine & Engineering Co., Ltd. (wholly owned by Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., SHI-ME)—has been selected to conduct a feasibility study on large-scale floating vertical axis wind turbines as part of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization’s (NEDO) public call for projects to develop next-generation technologies that help promote the adoption of floating offshore wind power.

As Japan pushes to make renewable energy a primary power source, expectations for offshore wind power are high. Given the limited shallow coastal waters around Japan, there is a pressing need to commercialize floating offshore wind technology.

This feasibility study aims to verify the viability of large-scale commercial vertical axis (floating axis) wind turbines, where both the turbine and floating foundation rotate together, as a game-changing next-generation technology for floating offshore wind turbines. The consortium will conduct design work toward obtaining basic design approval. Large-scale vertical axis wind turbines can achieve efficiency comparable to conventional (horizontal axis) wind turbines, while also enabling the use of smaller and more cost-effective floating structures. Furthermore, as they can be produced using nearly the same design regardless of differences in water depth or seabed conditions, it is expected that mass deployment will also lead to cost reductions.

Leveraging each company’s respective expertise, the five companies will collaborate on developing floating axis wind turbines, aiming to establish offshore wind power as a primary energy source and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.

Reference: Press release dated May 30, 2023

“Joint Research Agreement Signed for Next Generation (Floating Axis) Small-scale Offshore Wind Turbine Demonstration Project”

https://www.jpower.co.jp/english/news_release/pdf/news230530e.pdf

Company Role

*Name*	*Role*
Albatross	-Overall system design for floating axis wind turbines -Design and manufacturing considerations for carbon fiber reinforced materials for the wind turbines -Life cycle cost analysis
J-POWER	-Examination of certification processes for the large-scale floating foundation for floating axis wind turbines -Supply chain analysis and research
TEPCO HD	-Establishment of numerical analysis methods for large-scale turbines
“K” LINE	-Research on cost reduction for installation, maintenance, and operations -Life cycle cost analysis
SHI-ME	-Research on design and production technologies for large-scale turbines

Subcontractors

Fukui Fibertech Co., Ltd.: Development of continuous FRP molding technology

Innovative Composite Materials Research and Development Center (ICC) at Kanazawa Institute of Technology: Development of continuous FRP assembly technology

GH Craft Ltd.: Design of high-strength, lightweight composite materials

“K” Line Wind Service, Ltd.: Verification of offshore wind-related operations using vessels

Division of Global Architecture, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University: Analysis of floating foundation motion characteristics

Chubu University: Lightning protection measures

Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo: Life cycle assessment of CO₂emissions and economic efficiency

Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo: Prediction of marine environmental impacts

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line : Review of TCFD Scenario Analysis and Enhancement of Disclosure Content

September 10, 2024 by Julia Hiles

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has conducted a review of its disclosure of information based on the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).^*1

“K” LINE endorsed the TCFD recommendations in 2018 and started its disclosure of information based on the TCFD framework in 2019. In consideration of the most current situation, which is constantly changing, it has reviewed the scenario analysis recommended by the TCFD while at the same time estimated the financial impact of climate change risks and opportunities in the four categories identified in the TCFD recommendations, governance, strategy, risk management and metrics and targets, with a view toward enhancing the content of the information it disclosures.

URL for information disclosed based on the TCFD framework

TCFD-Based Information Disclosure

“K” LINE believes the TCFD recommendations will contribute to the development of sustainable society. It will continue to enhance its TCFD framework-based disclosure of information, including information about the financial impact of climate change risks and opportunities.

*1 TCFD is a taskforce focused on the disclosure of climate-related financial information established by the Financial Stability Board (FSB). The TCFD has been recommending that businesses evaluate the financial impact of climate-related risks and opportunities on their management of their organizations and disclosure information in four categories: governance, strategy, risk management and metrics and targets.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Delivery of LNG-fueled Car Carrier NEREUS HIGHWAY with a 7,000-vehicle Capacity

September 10, 2024 by Julia Hiles

NEREUS HIGHWAY, a car carrier with a capacity of 7,000 vehicles, has recently been delivered to Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE). The vessel is mainly fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and was constructed by CHINA MERCHANTS JINLING SHIPYARD (JIANGSU) CO., LTD. This is the first LNG-fueled vessel that “K” LINE has placed an order with a Chinese shipyard.

LNG fuel is expected to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas (GHG), by 25% to 30%, emissions of sulfur oxides (SO_x), which cause air pollution, by almost 100%, and emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO_x) by approximately 75%, which is compliant with IMO Tier III NO_x regulations, compared to conventional vessels using heavy fuel oil. It is equipped with the latest dual-fuel electronic control engine, “7X62DF-2.1 iCER” by WinGD, which will reduce methane slip when using LNG fuel.

In “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 -Blue Seas for the Future- *¹, we have set the 2030 interim target of improving CO2 emissions efficiency by 50% compared with 2008, surpassing the IMO target of a 40% improvement. Furthermore, we set our new target for 2050 as “The Challenge of Achieving Net-Zero GHG Emissions.” As an action plan, we will continue to work on the introduction of new fuels which have a low environmental impact and take on the challenge of achieving the targets we have established.

[Vessel Particulars]

Main Measure: LOA 199.99 meters x Beam 38.00 meters x Depth 39.28 meters x Draft 9.00 meters

Gross Ton: 75,698 T

Main Engine: WinGD 7X62DF-2.1

Speed: 19.0 KTS

Class: DNV

Flag: Panama

Builder: CHINA MERCHANTS JINLING SHIPYARD (JIANGSU) CO., LTD.

*1. “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future

As an action plan to reduce GHG, we are engaged in number of initiatives, for instance introducing zero-emission fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen fuels, and carbon-neutral fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic fuels.

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/environment/management.html

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Evergreen Line : Images of the Ever Max

September 6, 2024 by Julia Hiles

Filed Under: Evergreen Line

TT Club Innovation in Safety Award – Open for Entries

September 2, 2024 by Julia Hiles

The Award is for those who are making a significant difference to safety in cargo transport – NOW. As of today entries are welcomed for the latest annual TT Club sponsored and ICHCA organized Innovation in Safety Award

London, 2^nd September, 2024

Now more than ever the challenge to everyone in the global freight industry is to drive safety forward. Developing technologies combined with knowledge and experience at all levels can significantly enhance how we manage very real risks to our people cargoes and services. Risks such as explosion, fire, fall, crush, run over and moving objects require ongoing control in ports and onboard ships. The better industry gets at this, the better the results for life, limb, cargo and infrastructure, the better the work for workforces and the more sustainable and successful the organisations that we depend on. The opportunity exists not just to prevent headline grabbing events, but also day-to-day incidents that may be less in the media spotlight but can affect both shore-side workers and ships’ crew.

“The good news is that cargo handlers, carriers and the developers of technological devices and systems of all shapes and sizes are diligently producing innovations to improve risk control,” reports TT Club’s MD Loss Prevention, Mike Yarwood. “I’m pleased to say that working with ICHCA, our efforts in encouraging such innovation are having a positive effect. This Award plays a significant role in those efforts.”

The enthusiasm with which the Award has been received over the years is evidenced by the consistent number of inspiring entries each year. All deserve praise and the calibre of those that either won or were highly commended supports the confidence that both TT and ICHCA have in maintaining the process each year as a positive force for greater safety awareness.

Among past winners and those selected for special recognition are a diverse mix of established cargo handling operators and technology experts applying their specialist knowledge freshly to the sector, among them:

Cross Currents 88 and G2 Ocean AS
Royal Haskoning DHV
Trendsetter Vulcan Offshore
AP Moller Maersk for its APMT Vessel Inspection App
Exis Technologies
Intermodal Telematics
VIKING Life-Saving Equipment A/S — HydroPen
PSA International
Cargotec Sweden AB

Likewise the safety solutions put forward have been varied: from a netting system to prevent fatal falls in cargo holds to a device for enhancing mooring safety; from a standardized digital platform for terminals to carry out vessel inspections to improvements in the safety and stability of containers on board ships; from a digital temperature alerting system for tank containers to an effective way of fighting onboard container fires and a video analytics solution that helps prevent in-terminal collisions of the heavy cargo handling equipment,

“Our list of previous innovative ideas to increase the safe working of our industry is impressive,” comments Richard Steele, CEO of ICHCA. “We are pleased to have had the opportunity to spotlight their passion and creativity for not just doing the right things right, but doing them better. Every year we speak to people who have genuinely innovated, but just see it as part of their job. We urge all those who have made positive changes to the way they do safety either for themselves or for others through their products or services to enter this year’s Award. The most exciting part of the Award is the resultant sharing of knowledge and forward-looking thought that can deliver valuable advancements in safety. They will make a difference now!”

All entries to the Award are welcomed. Judging criteria and entry form can be accessed here

Entering the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award

About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.

Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

www.ichca.com

About TT Club

TT Club is the established market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. The Club’s services include specialist underwriting, claims management and risk and loss management advice, supported by a global office network. TT Club’s mission is to make the industry safer, more secure and more sustainable.

Established in 1968, TT Club currently services more than 1400 Members – container owners, operators, ports, terminals and logistics companies. Its membership covers the entire logistics journey, working across maritime, road, rail, and air ranging from some of the world’s largest logistics operators to smaller, bespoke companies managing similar risks. The Club is renowned for its high-quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring Member loyalty. Its average annual customer retention rate is consistently over 95%, with some Members having chosen to insure with the Club for over 50 years.

TT Club is managed by Thomas Miller – an independent and international provider of insurance, professional and investment services.

www.ttclub.com

Filed Under: ICHCA, TT Club

Transport communications