One of the priority themes set by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) for fiscal 2008 is the development of fuel economy indicators for ships, to improve the international framework to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from shipping. To this end, the ministry requested a budget of 95 million yen (about US$819,000) from the Finance Ministry for the "Ten-Mode for Marine Transportation Project." No common indicators currently exist to assess the performance of ships under actual operating conditions. The term "ten mode" refers to the ten or fifteen standard operating modes used to test vehicles in the automotive industry.

By establishing the ten mode indicators for ocean transportation, the MLIT plans to promote the use of more energy-efficient ships and operating systems, as well as the further development and spread of energy saving technologies and systems. The overall goal is to establish an international framework to reduce CO2 emissions from ships worldwide by 30 percent. In tandem with this, the MLIT hopes to lead an international initiative to help tackle global environmental problems through Japanese shipping and shipbuilding technologies.

As part of the plan, the MLIT plans to encourage the development of marine engines that emit drastically reduced levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) while improving fuel efficiency at the same time. In combination with this, the ministry also plans to develop a new construction standard for ships that still ensures lightness and sufficient safety levels. The MLIT also aims to assist in the development of human resources in keeping with the goal of Japan becoming a nation founded on the principles of marine environmental protection.

http://www.mlit.go.jp/english/

Posted: 2008/02/12 09:13:19 AM
Japanese version

TAG Energy , Government , Transportation