Wind Challenger Project（From fossil fuel ships to wind propulsion ships）
We participated as a Research Representative of joint Industrial Project by the University of Tokyo. The project aims to save up to 50% of energy by installing large extendable hard-wing sails on large cargo ships. The first vessel of the Wind Challenger Project is currently under construction by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Oshima Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. It is scheduled to be launched in the second half of 2022. （http://wind.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/index_en.html）
A video introduction of the Wind Challenger (The University of Tokyo and MOL)
The Wind Hunter Project（development of Hydrogen producing ships and Zero-Emission ships）
Creating affordable and stable supply system for CO2-free hydrogen
Hard-wing sails (“Wind Challenger Sails”) provide propulsion for the ship, as well as power by an underwater turbine to generate electricity and hydrogen (gas) through water electrolysis.
The Wind Hunter can collect wind energy and then use it to hydrogenate toluene and generate methylcyclohexane (MCH). MCH is a liquid hydrogen carrier (1/500 of its volume) and thus is more practical for onboard storage and can be converted into hydrogen onshore.
Research and development is being carried out for technologies to embark and supply to consumers, as well as Route selection technologies to help maximize the ship productivity by finding optimal wind conditions.
Components and Energy Flow
The supply chain of CO2-free hydrogen using the Wind Hunter
Components and Energy Flow
Rough Arrangement and Particulars
