Vessels emit nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur oxide (SOx), soot and other emissions, which are linked to acid rain and atmospheric pollution. The MOL Group is fully aware of the effects on air quality associated with its business activities and thus proactively works to reduce the impact on an ongoing basis.
NOx (Nitrogen Oxide)
NOx is generated when nitrogen contained in fuel oil and air binds with oxygen in the air at high temperatures when fuel burns in the engine. NOx emissions can be reduced to some degree by controlling the combustion temperature in the engine. MOL is promoting the adoption of electronically controlled engines that reduce NOx, soot, and smoke by more effectively controlling the intake and exhaust valves. We have launched 27 vessels featuring electronically controlled engines beginning with the containership MOL Creation, which was delivered in June 2007. We plan to finish construction of another 30 vessels equipped with electronically controlled engines by the end of March 2013 (as of March 31, 2011).
Refer to this environmental data compilation for information on MOL NOx emissions.
SOx (Sulfur Oxide)
SOx is generated by burning fuel oil containing sulfur. In order to reduce the volume of SOx emissions, MOL has set a standard for the sulfur content in the fuel it procures that is stricter than the international treaty governing sulfur content in fuel oil, which was a maximum of 4.5% for general sea areas through 2011 and will be 3.5% from 2012.
Refer to this environmental data compilation for information on MOL SOx emissions and the average sulfur content of fuels used.
Reducing Soot/Smoke and Dust
Successful Onboard Field Trials of World's First Marine-use Maintenance-free DPF
In March 2010, we joined with Akasaka Diesels Limited in developing a diesel particulate filter (DPF) for diesel engines on vessels that use marine heavy fuel oil. The maintenance-free device employs an internal heating system to automatically burn off particulate matter accumulated in the filters, which are made of silicon carbide ceramic fibers, allowing the filters to be used continuously. In a test installation on the main engine of an MOL Group-operated coastal ferry, the Sunflower Kogane, the device was shown to have removed more than 80% of soot and smoke from diesel emissions. This test marked the world's first successful use of a self-regenerating DPF on a large vessel using marine heavy fuel oil. MOL and Akasaka Diesels will further upgrade the DPF and confirm its durability for use on ocean-going vessels.
Using Onshore Power Supplies
The containership MOL Pace pictured using an onshore power supply system.
Emissions of NOx, SOx, soot and smoke and other pollutants can be significantly reduced while at berth by reducing the use of conventional diesel power generators and receiving electric power supply from onshore instead. Tugboat companies in the MOL Group have been installing electric power supply systems connected to the local electricity grid to power tugboats at berth. This not only reduces the workload for crew members due to reduced use of generators, but also reduces emissions of NOx, SOx, soot and others. In some ports, the shore power supply system is even used to power domestic carriers while at berth.
