Completed Projects (FY 2007)

List of projects completed by MTI in FY 2007

Environmental Conservation and Energy-Saving Technology

Development of a device for removing soot dust

A practical device for removing the soot dust from the exhaust gas of auxiliary diesel engines was developed to address the polluting emissions from ships.

Development of energy-saving hull appendage (MT-FAST) for various vessels

A hull appendage called MT-FAST was developed. It is set ahead of a ship's propeller to restrain swirls to the blade surface and helps to enhance propulsion efficiency, thereby saving energy. Its broad applicability to various hull forms, such as Handysize and Capesize vessels, was confirmed through tank tests, three-dimensional flow simulations, and blade-strength assessments. In addition, the installation method on board ships was established.

Development of a new control governor for main engines

The stability of the idea for a main engine governor, which is environmentally friendly and fuel efficient, was confirmed by actual measurements at sea.

Research on a devise for water-emulsion-fuel combustion for marine boilers on ships

Development of a fuel-consumption monitoring device (FUELNAVI) for installation on the bridge

Development of a fuel-consumption monitoring device (FUELNAVI) for installation on the bridge

The marine fuel-consumption monitoring device called FUELNAVI (trademark registration pending) was developed to enable the ship's crew to monitor the fuel consumption of the main engine. The device displays the fuel consumption from the main engine's fuel-flow-rate meter against the ground speed.

Evaluation of the ballast-water-handling device required by IMO to be mounted on board ships

A ballast-water-handling device was installed on board a ship to acquire relevant data and identify possible issues in its operation in order to meet the needs under the Ballast Water Control Convention of IMO scheduled to come into effect.

Ship Operating Technology

Participation in a joint international project regarding evaluation of ship performance at sea

Participated in the Service Performance Analysis Joint Industry Project (SPA-JIP) of MARIN, a Dutch maritime research organization. The project engaged in R&D regarding the method of evaluating ship performance at sea. More specifically, it was to evaluate energy-efficient operating methods that would contribute to fuel savings.

Participation in a joint international project regarding container lashing

Participated in the Lashing Sea Joint Industry Project (JIP) of the Dutch research organization MARIN. The project studied and surveyed the impacts of larger ship size on hull motions and container lashing.

Evaluation test of full-automatic twist lock

An evaluation test of a full-automatic twist lock was conducted. The test took into account the external forces that impact on-board containers.

Development of a new twist lock

A twist lock embodying a new concept was developed, one that considers more efficient cargo handling and safety in stormy weather where such locks are used to fasten containers.

Development of a worktable for the maintenance and inspection of cargo holds

An attempt was made to develop a worktable for bulk carriers, one that could be used for cargo-hold inspections by classification societies, surveyors, and crews. In addition, a worktable for hold maintenance, including rust removal and touch-up painting in the ballast during sailing, was also developed.

Consultation on Quality Transport

Research on countermeasures to remove residual odors from foul cargoes

Conducted research to keep odors out of containers that are loaded with foul-smelling cargo, and research to deodorize containers after they were emptied.

Research on drying marine containers after internal washing

Conducted research on drying container floors at container depots, on a drying device that can dry the floors quickly without manual labor, and on ways to dispense with natural drying, which is weather-dependent.

Development of substitute materials for marine container flooring

Studies were conducted on proposed substitutes for apitong plywood, which as of now is the most common marine container flooring.

RFID Logistics Solutions

Development of RFID-based logistics service models

Logistics service models were developed for the management of transport equipment (pallets, reusable-containers, and KD modules) and the management of storage locations at logistics sites.

Development of next-generation RFID hardware

Next-generation active tags were developed for the management of transport equipment and SCM. With an eye on the future, studies were conducted on the available technologies for the possible applications and technical aspects of semi-passive tags.

Development of next-generation RFID software applications

Verified the latest application-development technologies of SOA and SaaS, and the adaptation of those technologies to the management of transport equipment (CAYOI).

Development of EPC international standardization

Participated in the standardization and the formulation of required specifications for RFID technologies used in ocean, land, and air logistics sectors.

Survey on next-generation network businesses

Researched RFID-related network technologies (including EPCIS), which rapidly developed in recent years, and searched for their possible applications to logistics services and to developing innovative logistics service models beyond the conventional framework.

RFID research facilities

Facilities for testing and verifying various technologies, including RFID, were established in Oi (Tokyo) and the Czech Republic.

Others

Development of water transportation with bags

Extensive Sea trial with prototype 1,000 tons water bag has been performed to evaluate shape of the bag, operational procedures, and other quality in transportation and durability of the system.