The purification system is installed in the diesel engine to reduce particle organic matter (PMs) in the exhaust emissions. The outline and characteristics of the system are as follows (see the installed system drawing):

1. The system is placed in the diesel engine exhaust pipe.
2. Tree oil, a bio-catalyst extracted from thinned timber, is sprayed into the exhaust gas using a method patented by Juon. Then the gas is purified by a ceramic filter. The tree oil significantly increases the efficiency of the filter, allowing more PM to adhere to the filter.
3. Tests of a prototype installed on the car carrier Bravery Ace while docked on February 5 and 6, 2005, showed a 40% reduction in PM emissions.

• Purification System
• Outline of exhaust gas purification system
• Purification effects in the first test
• Verification test for performance of exhaust gas purification system

System characteristics

The system cleans effectively and is environment-friendly.

1. Simple structure
2. It makes effective use of thinned timber - an environment-friendly approach that helps protect forests
3. After extraction of the tree oil, the thinned timber is used as biomass fuel, helping to reduce CO2 emissions in Japan.
4. Carbon extracted from used purifying fluid may be recycled.

Background

Reducing harmful exhaust emission from vessels is a key environmental task facing the shipping industry. In addition, particulates in the exhaust gas from car carriers may damage the paint of completed cars during loading and discharging. This new purification system is mounted inside the exhaust pipe of the ship's diesel engine, the source of these harmful exhaust emissions.

Note: Reference (Past emission control measures for MOL-operated car carriers)

1. Prevention of soot-blow, which is blowing soot from the ship's pipes and funnel with steam or compressed air when calling or sailing at ports, or during berthing)
2. Installation of vibrator inside the main engine funnel.
   An acoustic vibration generator inside the funnel can prevent the buildup of soot. This system is now undergoing tests aboard the car carrier Splendid Ace. Having achieved positive results, MOL will begin installing this generator on all its operated vessels one by one.
3. Reposition the funnel to the port side so it will vent toward the sea when the vessel is berthed. This feature is being introduced with newly built carriers one by one, starting with the Utopia Ace launched in July 2004.)

Looking Ahead

MOL plans to conduct open tests attended by concerned government ministries, local governments, and environment-related accreditation organizations when its car carriers are in port during April and May 2005. These open tests will help MOL and Juon fine-tune the technology in preparation for future installation of the system throughout the MOL car carrier fleet.