Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has announced that it has started demonstration tests of a new windshield for containerships, which has the potential to reduce wind resistance, save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions.
MOL jointly developed the device with MOL Techno-Trade Ltd, Ouchi Ocean Consultant, Inc, Akishima Laboratory Inc and the University of Tokyo.
The new windshield was installed on the bow of the MOL-operated containership 6,724-TEU MOL Marvel, and a demonstration test of its effectiveness in reducing CO2 emissions is under way.
With today’s larger containerships, the height of the containers loaded on their decks has increased, subjecting the vessels to greater wind resistance. MOL recognised the need to address this issue in a cost-effective way.
The new device began with an examination of the bows aerodynamic form through wind tunnel testing. This led to the adoption of a horseshoe-shaped design, which encloses the front line of the stacked containers to cut wind resistance.
It has the strength to meet the ClassNK rules concerning wave impact. By obliquely setting the containers placed along the sides of the vessel behind it, the sides of the vessel become streamlined, further reducing wind resistance.
With those measures, MOL expects an annual average reduction of two per cent in CO2 emissions, assuming the device is mounted on a 6,700-TEU containership plying the North Pacific Ocean route at speed of 17 knots.
The new windshield is also expected to protect ships from green water on the bow deck when sailing in bad weather.
To realize the goal of "solid growth through innovative changes" stated in the midterm management plan STEER FOR 2020, the MOL Group has worked to develop next-generation vessel concepts to reduce environmental impact through the Senpaku ISHIN project. The MOL Group's ongoing efforts to develop and refine various environmental technologies contribute to environmental protection by reducing CO2emissions from vessels.