Asahi Tanker Co., Ltd. announced that it has ordered two of the world’s first zero-emission electric-powered tankers. The two tankers will adopt the “e5 tanker” design developed by e5 Lab Inc. They will be powered completely by large-capacity lithium-ion batteries and are slated to go into service as bunker vessels in Tokyo Bay.

The two tankers will achieve zero emissions of CO2, NOx, SOx, and particulates thanks to their all-electric core energy system, dramatically reducing their environmental impact. In addition, their reduced noise and vibration will create a more comfortable work environment for the crew members and limit noise pollution in the bay and its surroundings.

The adoption of various automated equipment and digital tools including the Internet of Things (IoT) will reduce crews’ onboard workload and increase the ship’s operating efficiency.

The tankers will play a new role in contributing to measures for the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Community Life Continuity Plan (LCP) in case of disaster or emergency, by making the electricity stored in their onboard batteries — defined as “large-capacity batteries for power supply in emergency”— available to supply emergency power. Asahi Tanker and TEPCO Energy Partner, Inc. are currently working on these initiatives.