AN NYK turbo charger, which generates shipboard electricity from main engine exhaust fumes, has won an award for excellence by the Japan Society of Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers (JASNAOE).

In addition to harnessing the main engine to spin the turbine at high speed, the new hybrid turbocharger utilises the extra rotational power of the turbine to generate electricity.

"By utilising waste energy, the turbocharger boosts output power of the main engine by enabling it to aspirate at a level higher than that for the original engine displacement," said the NYK statement.

The hybrid turbocharger built and then fitted on a vessel for the first time was developed by Japanese shipping giant NYK, the Monohakobi Technology Institute, the Universal Shipbuilding Corporation, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

By reducing use of the diesel generator, the hybrid turbocharger contributes to a further reduction of CO2 emissions, said the NYK statement.

The JASNAOE presents annual awards for research and invention, and to technicians who have made significant contributions to academics and the advancement of industrial, technology in the field of naval architecture and ocean engineering.