NYK to install air compression systems on LNG-powered car carriers

December 20, 2023, by Fatima Bahtić

Japanese shipping major NYK Line has revealed it will install a variable compression ratio (VCR) system on LNG-fueled car carriers to be built by Shin Kurushima Dockyard.

As explained, the VCR system can adjust the air compression ratio in the engine combustion chamber to an optimal balance according to engine power and LNG fuel properties.

Using its technology and experience with large low-speed marine engines, Mitsui E&S DU Co. developed the VCR system together with Winterthur Gas & Diesel a Swiss engine licensor.

NYK emphasized that this optimal adjustment will improve fuel efficiency during operation by about 3% in LNG gas mode and about 6% in diesel oil mode.

The system is also expected to play an important role in reducing GHG emissions from existing ships and improving engine efficiency when decarbonized fuels are introduced.

The first vessel is scheduled to be delivered in 2026.

Participation in this demonstration test is part of business activities related to Sail GREEN, a brand that emphasizes NYK’s efforts to reduce GHG emissions through the transport of goods and contribute to the eco-friendly supply chains.

NYK has set new targets that include a “45% reduction of the NYK Group’s GHG (Scope 1+2) emissions by FY2030 (versus FY2021)” and “total net-zero GHG (Scope 1+2+3) emissions by FY2050 for the NYK Group.”

“In particular, with regard to reducing GHG emissions in Scope 1+2, one of the tactics is to maximize energy efficiency, and improving fuel efficiency through technological enhancement is essential to achieving the new decarbonization targets set by the NYK Group. The NYK Group will continue to actively collaborate with partners in Japan and overseas to promote initiatives related to energy-saving technologies, with the aim of realizing a decarbonized society,” NYK concluded.