Japanese Consortium Developing Emissions-Free Containership with Battery Swapping Technology

A Japanese consortium consisting of Imoto Lines and Marindows is developing a next-generation containership with government backing. The vessel aims to operate emissions-free and address the shortage of seafarers in Japan. Scheduled for completion in January 2027, the ship will feature a hybrid operational capability using containerized batteries that can be swapped out for efficiency.

Equipped with three 20-foot battery containers, the vessel will have a power capacity of 2000kWh and a speed of 12.5 knots. It will have a range of 2,700 miles in hybrid operations and 180 miles using only the batteries. The containership will also be capable of using shore power while docked and will be designed for future low-environment impact technologies.

The project aims to improve crewmember work environment and productivity while keeping costs similar to existing ships. By developing standardized operations and modularized systems, the vessel will require fewer skilled mariners to operate. The consortium plans to maximize financial efficiency through mass production and protect against obsolescence by allowing for the replacement of individual systems with new technologies.

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