Japan’s e5 Lab, a project focusing on the electrification
and digitization of ocean-going vessels, announced the next step in their
research. The company unveiled the first version of Roboship, electrically
powered vessels, and an integrated system Roboship Box, which brings together
telecommunications, the Internet of Things (IoT), and software.
Through this initiative, e5 Lab is working to address critical
issues facing Japan’s ocean shipping and maritime industries, including a
shortage of seafarers, environmental concerns, safety, and the sustainable
growth of the shipbuilding/ship machinery sectors. With strategic partners in
Japan and overseas, the development project team is targeting the
commercialization of electric-powered merchant vessels.
The team developed two types of electric vessels in the
Roboship Ver. 1.0, with a gross tonnage of 499 tons and 749 tons. They expect
that the vessels will be able to achieve the same speed and sailing range as
vessels currently in service, while producing zero-emissions in port by
employing large-capacity storage batteries in combination with a diesel-powered
generator. By employing the world’s most efficient electric devices, including
DC grids, PM motors, and AI technology. e5 projects that these vessels will
achieve a higher energy efficiency than other vessels currently in service.
Beyond seeking to produce a sustainable, low emissions
vessel, e5 is also working to develop designs to address a growing shortage of
seafarers and aging on the workforce. They believe that the Roboship Ver. 1.0
can significantly reduce not only the workload of seafarers, but also lower the
risk of mechanical problems and decrease maintenance costs with its electric
power.
The team’s current target is to keep construction costs less
than five percent above the cost of comparable existing vessels. The Roboship
Ver. 1.0 is slated for delivery within 2022. To support and accelerate the
transformation of the shipping industry, e5 will also be offering the Roboship
Box as well as the EV powertrain, which is a key technology of the Roboship, to
all interested shipyards and shipowners.
The Roboship Box is the foundation that connects the vessel
and shore and enables shore-side support using digital technology. According to
e5, the broad application of the Roboship and Roboship Box will realize
competitive and value-added vessels from aspects such as environmental
friendliness, economy, quality, and performance. Their goal is to leverage
these technologies to achieve a transition to electric vessels and
digitalization in the ocean shipping and maritime industries.