Japanese Firm Plans Zero-emission “Plug-in” Ferry

October 20, 2009 · Filed Under Current, Lore of the Sea, Ships 

Japanese firm plans zero-emission ferry

A Japanese shipmaker said Thursday it planned to launch the world’s first large electric ferry — the latest innovation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.   A subsidiary of heavy machinery giant IHI Corp. has completed a basic design for a 30-metre (99-foot) long ferry that could carry 800 passengers, powered by rechargeable batteries, a company spokesman said.

While smaller battery-powered boats are already in use, IHI’s ferry would be “the world’s first large plug-in vessel,” he said.   “It would emit no carbon dioxide or nitrogen oxide. We also aim to slash fuel costs,” said the spokesman, who declined to be named.  The ferry would be able to cruise some 120 kilometres (74 miles) on a charge of six to eight hours, he said.

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Comments

2 Responses to “Japanese Firm Plans Zero-emission “Plug-in” Ferry”

  1. Andy on October 20th, 2009 7:45 pm

    Well, good. I guess. Japan gets about 30% of its electrical power from nuclear plants, with coal- and gas-fired plants generating about 25% each. It would’ve been nice if the linked article hadn’t ignored the environmental costs of generating the necessary electricity in the first place. There’s always a trade-off; just because the *vessel* doesn’t generate emissions doesn’t make it environmentally a free ride.

  2. Rick on October 20th, 2009 8:24 pm

    Andy, you are exactly right. Zero emissins means nothing if you are shifting it only from one smokestack to another. On the other hand, it is worthwhile to work to develop the new technologies that one day may be one piece of the puzzle.

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