R&D Themes for FY 2009
Environmental Conservation and Energy-Saving Ship-Operating Technology
| Development of a performance monitoring system for ships | We developed a system which enables real-time monitoring of vessel's performance on office PC. This year, we are going to improve the function of the system and planning to apply it to more vessels. |
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| Onboard testing of a ballast water management system | We have acquired the technical know-how needed for the optimal operation of ballast water management systems through the onboard testing of the Ballast Water Management System manufactured by JFE Engineering. We are going to evaluate the ballast water management systems of several leading makers by holding discussions with them and preparing the specific designs needed to install their systems in the NYK fleets. |
| Performance evaluation at sea of energy-saving devices (MT-FAST and bow thruster cover) for vessels | We are going to evaluate the performance of marine energy-saving device such as MT-FAST* by using the monitoring system (please refer to #1 above.) in tests to prove efficiency during actual sea voyages. *MT-FAST: This is a pre-swirl stator-type device that is attached to a ship's hull just forward of the propeller to improve the flow of water around the propeller and thus improve the function of the propeller. |
| Reduction of wind resistance | Ship forms and appendages that lower wind resistance in containerships and car carriers are being developed with the help of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel tests. |
| Study of propulsion systems for energy saving | We are going to study several designs of propulsion systems that consist of diesel engines for vessel power, propellers as propulsion devices, and power generators for the supply of onboard electricity. From among the designs, we will select the most energy-efficient and best-balanced one (in terms of generating proportions), and will discuss the onboard arrangement of the propulsion system. |
| Study of the performance of Contra-Rotating Propeller (CRP) | To minimize main engine output, we are studying the application of CRP*, the diameter of propellers, and the best balanced load of the individual propellers. *CRP: A transmission system that drives two propellers rotating in opposite directions. |
| Reduction of cargo-handling time for containerships and car carriers [since 2008] | To reduce loading and unloading times for containerships, we are using a cargo-handling/ship-operations simulator to study ways of loading/unloading containers and the position of the deck house. Similarly, for car carriers, we are studying the layout of inner slopes on which cars run. |
| Study of vessels' operational performance of larger car carriers | Most Japanese car carriers are less than 200 meters in length. By making vessels larger, the amount of CO2 emission per car (amount of CO2 emitted for transporting a single car) can be reduced. In this project, which uses a simulator and other technologies, tests will be conducted on risk-avoidance and operational performance (performance to avoid collisions) for car carriers longer than 200 meters in length. Based on this research, the project will propose requisite technologies for large vessels so as to achieve the same level of operational performance as conventional vessels.
This project has been selected for subsidy through fiscal 2009 by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) through its "Support for Technology Development from Marine Vessels for Curtailing CO2" project. In addition, it will be implemented as part of the "R&D for Reducing Greenhouse Gas in International Maritime Affairs" program, which is being jointly carried out by the Japan Ship Technology Research Association and the Nippon Foundation. |
| Study of fuel cell systems for onboard marine use | We are reviewing progress in the development of fuel cell systems for marine use, and do onboard testing to realize zero-emission vessels in the future. |
| Study of auxiliary machinery for energy saving | We study the combination of quantity, capacity, and layout of pumps to optimize engine plant systems and find energy savings under various ship-operating modes. |
| Study of Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS) equipment for marine use | To reduce CO2 emissions from vessels, we study CCS equipment for marine use. |
| Development of international navigation control systems | Efficient navigation of vessels is a prerequisite for curtailing CO2 emissions. In this project, MTI has started development of a worldwide port-reservation system for berth window and canal passage. The introduction of an international port control system will enable vessels to further reduce their time at ports and to navigate at lower speeds. This project also will make use of international services when the system is implemented, and will propose future roles for international navigation controls.
This project has been selected for subsidy through fiscal 2009 by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) through its "Support for Technology Development from Marine Vessels for Curtailing CO2" project. In addition, it will be implemented as part of the "R&D for Reducing Greenhouse Gas in International Maritime Affairs" program, which is being jointly carried out by the Japan Ship Technology Research Association and the Nippon Foundation. |
| The most practical use of energy-saving lighting fixtures | LED lighting fixtures will be installed in the cargo holds of car carriers, and the consequent energy-saving effects and safety during the loading and unloading of vehicles are going to be verified. |
| Experiment to confirm the effectiveness of technology to reduce frictional resistance through air lubrication | When a vessel is moving forward, frictional resistance occurs between the seawater and the outer shell of the vessel. However, we are able to reduce frictional resistance by supplying air bubbles to a vessel's bottom. This experiment in air-lubrication technology will be confirmed by a heavy-lifter (to be completed in 2010).
This project has been selected for subsidy through fiscal 2009 by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) through its "Support for Technology Development from Marine Vessels for Curtailing CO2" project. In addition, it will be implemented as part of the "R&D for Reducing Greenhouse Gas in International Maritime Affairs" program, which is being jointly carried out by the Japan Ship Technology Research Association and the Nippon Foundation. |
| Development of energy-efficient fans | Development is underway on a large energy-saving ventilation fan for use in engine rooms and cargo holds. The project aims to save energy by developing highly efficient blades and by reducing air-duct resistance. |
| Onboard installation of a solar power generation system | In 2008, a solar power generation system was installed in two car carriers, Auriga Leader and Equuleus Leader. The durability of the solar panels has been monitored and measured with the aim of improving the stable supply of electricity. The project will continue in 2009. |
RFID Logistics Solutions
| Development of a "metal rack management system" | Development of a prototype system for the metal-rack management of automotive components and a pilot project for verification of the system are being conducted. |
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| Development of Reusable Transport Items (RTI) management solution | Utilization efficiency of transport items (such as pallets, reusable-containers, and KD modules) can be improved by optimizing the allocation to each site. We are expanding the application range of this solution to more complex logistics models in which transport items transfer between multiple sites. |
| Development of finished vehicle management solution | Development of a vehicle location management system for the entire supply chain of finished vehicles is being continued, for example, (1) in standardization of the logistics information that now varies for each party, (2) in upgrades of data-collection systems that use automated operations rather than time-consuming manual operations, and (3) in realistic applications of these studies. |
| Research and development of next-generation logistics network | Ongoing projects have been developing the following: (1) investigating the need to build up a global cargo transport logistics system with real-time and accurate operations for increased visibility; (2) making the technical requirements of hardware and software needed to meet desired system architecture; and (3) collaborating with international standardization organizations such as ISO, WCO, and EPCglobal to standardize the interface and information items between auto-identification devices and the system. |
| Application of RFID technology for forms of domestic asset-based lending (ABL) now being established | We are developing service models for asset-based lending (ABL), which demands high-quality collateral management. With ABL, problems arise in collateral management that must synchronize location codes, company codes, and commodity (product) codes. This project is being funded by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). |
| Development of warehouse management solution | Utilizing multiple auto-identification technologies (passive tags, active tags, bar codes, sensors, voice recognition, etc.), our warehouse management solution provides a uniform management system for cargo, storage location, and operating instructions inside warehouses. |
