Using solar power for ship propulsion

Shipping company Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kiasha (NYK) and the Nippon Oil Corporation have agreed to jointly develop a system to partially utilize solar power to propel ships. This full-scale installation of a solar power generator is a world-first and will produce appr. 40 kW which is expected to supplement existing power production on large vessels. NYK is engaged in the R&D of next-generation eco-friendly ships including technologies to utilize recyclable energy in ocean transportation and Nippon Oil has been working to cultivate the market for solar photovoltaic power generation systems. The companies have now decided to establish the joint eco-project starting with a new car carrier planned to be completed end of this year. Toyota Motor Corporation as shipper of cars has agreed to support this initiative. Test purposes are to analyze the durability of solar photovoltaic modules under harsh shipboard environment, to collect data on photovoltaic power generation and to demonstrate the capability of reducing CO₂ emissions.