Completed Projects (FY 2008)

List of projects completed by MTI in FY 2008

Environmental Conservation and Energy-Saving Ship Operating Technology

Evaluation of applicability of electrical propulsion systems to car carriers and containerships [Since 2006]

Inspection of optimized energy efficiency, required structural strength, and maintenance of a hybrid contra-rotating propeller system that is a combination of a single diesel propulsion engine and an electrical propulsion system was conducted.

Development of new control governor for main engines [Since 2006]

Onboard testing of the fuel-efficient governor on "FUEL SAVE mode" was conducted with containerships and car carriers. The fuel efficiency result of 1.3% was confirmed.

Confirmation of the efficiency of a water-emulsion-fuel-combustion device, aiming for commercial use

Onboard testing of water-emulsion-fuel-combustion device was conducted in order to evaluate, (1)boiler efficiency, (2) the reduction of hazardous substances in the emission gases, and (3)boiler maintenance.

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

Based on data collected from FUELNAVI, a method for analyzing both the influence of weather on fuel efficiency and the performance of ships at sea was developed. Feedback in the form of surveys and interviews with users proved that the monitoring device is useful to motivate crew members to reduce fuel consumption.

Development of FRP-made energy saving hull appendage

The energy saving hull appendage MT-FAST* was developed in 2007. In 2008, tests were conducted to see if FRP** could be used in the production of this product, which is currently made of steel.
*MT-FAST: This is one of the pre-swirl stator type device that is attached to a ship's hull just forward of the propeller, and improves the flow of water around the propeller in order to improve the function of the propeller.
**FRP: This fiber-reinforced plastic combines glass-fiber into plastic for increased durability.

Propulsive performance checked with Bow thruster cover

The efficiency of reducing hull resistance by covering the bow thruster tunnel was confirmed with a towing-tank test. After a study of the reliability and structure, the towing tank was installed in a real ship. Currently, efficiency and operating problems are being examined during actual sea voyage.

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.

New electric power supply system with batteries for marine use

It is indispensable for us to have rechargeable large-capacity batteries on board in order to put a hybrid electric power supply system* in practice. In this point of view, we researched hybrid electric supply system using storage batteries. And as a next step, we have a plan to install the system on board for testing.
*Hybrid electric power supply system: For example, combination of diesel engine, solar power and fuel cells.

Inverter-controlled motors and energy-efficient lighting equipment for practical use

Evaluated energy efficiency by placing motors for pumps and fans in the engine room and for fans in the cargo space under inverter control, and by operating them all at their respective optimal points (with minimized power consumption). We also installed LED lighting fixtures in the accommodation area on board and evaluated their energy efficiency and performance compared with fluorescent fixtures.

Reduction of cargo-handling time for containerships and car carriers

After investigation, we reviewed cargo flow and other factors of containerships and car carriers, and studied the possibility of reducing cargo-handling time. For example, we found that inside car carriers there was a partial traffic jam that caused a waste of time. So we applied a new concept for the slope structure and layout, and thereby reduced loading and unloading times on simulation model.

Onboard test of the Ballast Water Management System (BWMS)

Installed a Ballast Water Management System to a bulk carrier for onboard testing to acquire type approval of MLIT* and final approval of IMO**.
*MLIT: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
**IMO: International Marine Organization

Development of the "NYK Super Eco-Ship 2030" concept

We proposed our concept design of a containership for the year 2030 with feasible technologies that will enable the ship to reduce CO2 by 69% on a TEU-mile basis.*
*TEU-mile: a 20-foot-equivalent unit (TEU) carried one mile.

Systemization of approach to heavy-lifter transport

Lashing plans of heavy lifters, along with on-site loading and unloading work, were all closely observed and analyzed; the traditional know-how was then integrated into an upgraded computerized system, as a structure of passing down the traditional know-how and skills to following lashing planner.

Development of a maneuvering-guidance tool based on predicted short-term ship motion [Since 2007]

Participation in Joint Industry Project evaluating ship performance at sea [Since 2006]

Participation in Joint Industry Project evaluating ship performance at sea [Since 2006]

Since 2006, continued participating in the Service Performance Analysis Joint Industry Project (SPA-JIP) of the Dutch maritime research organization, MARIN. This effort has resulted in development of a method of evaluating ship performance at real sea and the fuel-saving contributions of energy-efficient operations.

Participation in Joint Industry Project on container lashing [Since 2006]

Since 2006, continued participating in the Service Performance Analysis Joint Industry Project (SPA-JIP) of the Dutch maritime research organization, MARIN, studying the impacts of larger ship size on hull motions and container lashing. The project also consigned us to conduct a RoRo ship lashing test and, using our Multi-Cargo Simulator (MCS), a test involving a 1/4-scale container model.

Development of a new twist lock [Since 2007]

Analyzed available data and made improvements on the standard twist lock, thus ensuring more efficient cargo handling and safety in all weather conditions. Application has been filed for an international patent (PCT).

RFID Logistics Solutions

Development of RFID-based logistics service models

Logistics service models for the management of transport equipment (such as pallets, reusable-containers, and KD modules) and storage-location management at logistics sites (within warehouses or outdoor yards) were developed.

Development of next-generation RFID hardware

In 2008, research and studies of RFID hardware and relevant technologies were carried out, and next-generation RFID hardware was developed. Further, by improving test facilities and environments, technical support for other RFID projects was implemented.

Development of next-generation RFID software applications

Since 2007, research and studies of the latest software technologies have been carried out in an effort, for example, to meet the needs of more sophisticated and diversified logistics and to establish next-generation SaaS* system architecture that is combined with SOA**. *SaaS: Software as a Service is a model of software deployment whereby a provider licenses an application to customers for use as a service on demand.
**SOA: Service Oriented Architecture is an idea or concept for packaging computer software functions into independent "service" units and designing a system by combining those units.

Development of EPC international standardization

We participated in EPCglobal and, in cooperation with the secretariat and other participating companies, formulated international RFID standards.