World's First Water-Emulsion Fuel System to Undergo Long-Term On-Board Testing

Tokyo, September 21, 2010 – Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. have jointly developed a new water-emulsion fuel supply system intended for eventual commercial deployment. It will be installed on a Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation-built 58,000 DWT bulk carrier to be completed in January 2011 and will be the world’s first to undergo long-term operational testing.

International Marine Organization (IMO) Tier III emissions controls for nitrogen oxides (NOx) ship emissions go into effect beginning 2016. In Emission Control Areas (ECA)  NOx emissions from diesel marine engines must be reduced by 80% over Tier I levels. To meet these requirements, the three companies have jointly developed a water-emulsion fuel system ready for on-board testing. In conjunction with other NOx-reducing technologies, this water-emulsion fuel technology will enable ships to meet Tier III controls effectively.

Water-emulsion fuel is fuel throughout which fine water particles have been dispersed. As the fuel is burned in the engine combustion chamber, these fine water particles evaporate and thus capture ambient heat. This reduces the burn temperature, thereby decreasing the production of NOx.

Ahead of the on-board testing, a reduction in NOx emissions was already verified in this past July during shop test operation of the ship’s diesel engine using marine diesel oil water-emulsion fuel. The on-board test will use heavy fuel oil water-emulsion fuel for ships. The scheduled on-board testing is intended to verify NOx and other emissions gases, engine performance, and engine and fuel system durability under long-term use. It will also enable actual operation by the crew. Testing will consist of sea trials prior to the ship’s completion, as well as long-term on-board testing once it is commissioned. On-board testing will begin in January 2011 and continue for four years to evaluate performance and verify durability.

Kawasaki Kisen and the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group are engaged in the active development of new technologies that contribute even further to improving the global environment.