This ambitious initiative launched by Japanese companies NYK Line, NYK Bulk and Project Carriers And Tsuneishi Shipbuilding This project, in collaboration with the British company Drax Group, marks Japan’s strategic shift towards the use of renewable energy sources.

According to the memorandum of understanding, the consortium aims to investigate the feasibility of using wood pellets from the United States and Canada produced by Drax Group and other companies. Recognized as a renewable energy source in various regions, wood fuel is a promising alternative to industrial combustion.

• Following a successful feasibility study, the consortium plans to build a class of barges Convenient sizePellet-powered by 2029.
• Similar to existing gas-producing platforms, the proposed bioship will convert wood fuel into gases through a high-temperature combustion process.
• These gases, including carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane, will then be used to generate electricity and power the ship’s engines.

The system is planned to be used on the first ship powered by biomass / Photo: TSUNEISHI

Emphasizing the need for smart management of forest industry waste in the context of increasing deforestation rates, consortium members emphasize the importance of maximizing profits from forest resources.

At the same time, deforestation and afforestation initiatives will contribute to increasing the natural absorption of carbon dioxide, which will further increase the environmental benefits of the project.