February 25, 2010
Greener Gas-Guzzlers
Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2010 We hear a lot about the impact of our cars on the environment, but very little about that of the vast container ships that transport the autos around the world from factory to market. For example, did you know that the 16 largest such ships emit as much […]
By Metropolis
Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2010
We hear a lot about the impact of our cars on the environment, but very little about that of the vast container ships that transport the autos around the world from factory to market. For example, did you know that the 16 largest such ships emit as much sulfurous pollution as all the cars on Earth? Yes—that really is “sixteen.”
That’s something a group of Japanese companies aims to change with the introduction of hybrid car carrier ships powered, at least in part, by solar panels on deck.
The vessels being developed by Sanyo, Mitsubishi and Mitsui OSK Lines will switch to solar-generated electric power when maneuvering in port after gathering the juice in special batteries while at sea. Although that still leaves the bulk of the voyage to diesel power, at least the solar move is a step in the right direction.
