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 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 are operating 27 vessels featuring electronically controlled engines beginning with the containership MOL Creation, which was delivered in June 2007. By the end of March 2012, 29 vessels equipped with electronically controlled engines had been delivered.
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.
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
First Installation of a Maintenance-free DPF on an Ocean-going Vessel in the World
MOL has been developing a diesel particulate filter (DPF) for diesel engines on vessels that that use marine heavy fuel oil together with Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) and Akasaka Diesels Limited, with research support from ClassNK under a scheme supporting joint research and development with industry and academia. In 2010, we conducted a test installation on the main engine of a coastal ferry. Recently, we began trial operation of this system on the diesel engine used for power generation on an MOL Group-operated ocean-going vessel. This was the world's first installation of a self-cleaning DPF on an ocean-going vessel.
Features
This system incorporates a filter that relies on silicon carbide ceramic fibers. The filter collects particulate matter (PM) when exhaust gas goes through it. It can collect over 80% of PM produced by the engine, significantly reducing black smoke emissions. It is also a self-cleaning system that automatically combusts and eliminates PM buildup in the filter. This allows for continual operation without clogging of the filter, and requires no maintenance by seafarers.
Using Onshore Power Supplies
The containership MOL Matrix 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.
