Initiatives for Protecting the Environment
We introduce environmentally friendly equipment and facilities and adopt structures that help prevent environmental pollution even if an accident should occur. We place top priority on safe navigation and cargo operations and environmental protection and take numerous steps to keep the logistics infrastructure highly energy-efficient and friendly to the global environment.
Measures Against Climate Change        Measures for Preventing Air Pollution        Measures for Preventing Marine Pollution        Measures for Preserving Biodiversity        Measures for Recycling and Conserving Resources
Measures Against Climate Change
Aiming for efficient use of energy
Ocean transport: a highly energy-efficient mode of transport
The amount of fuel consumed for transporting a ton of cargo over a distance of one kilometer is used as an index of energy efficiency. The smaller the value, the more energy-efficient is the transport. Ships are suited for transporting large volumes of cargo with on-board large fuel-efficient diesel engines. Therefore, ocean transport is the most energy-efficient among many modes of transport and is also effective for reducing CO2 emissions. To allow this efficient mode of transport to continue to exist in the future, we are committed to continuing to improve our ships' energy efficiency and to reviewing our operating systems to maximize the efficiency of our entire fleet.
Typical range of ship CO2 efficiencies compared to rail and road
Use of waste heat energy of exhaust gas
The fuel combusted in the engine and converted into energy for maneuvering the ship is discharged into the atmosphere as exhaust gas. The thermal energy of this high-temperature gas is collected by the exhaust gas economizer to generate hot, high-pressure steam. The steam is sent to turbo generators driven by the steam turbine and used to generate electricity for use on board, saving fuel for generators. Thus, the system uses energy of the exhaust gas, which would normally be wasted, to generate electricity. This improves a ship' s energy efficiency, or the transport's energy efficiency, enabling reduction of CO2 emission.
Use of energy from water stream generated by the propeller
The rudder that maintains and changes the ship's direction is positioned afterward of the propeller and is continually subject to the water stream it generates. A spherical bulge and horizontal fins attached to the rudder convert the propeller's water stream into propulsion power. The extra power permits lower fuel consumption and reduces CO2 emissions, while maintaining the service speed of the ship.
Introduction of state-of-the-art autopilot
A ship is navigated to the destination port by following the course specified in the voyage plan. However, because a ship is subject to disturbances such as wind, waves, and ocean current, it needs to be steered frequently to stay on course. An autopilot is a system that automatically steers the ship. It is used in areas where multiple ships do not converge, such as in mid-ocean. The latest type of autopilot is capable of learning the degree and duration of those disturbances and makes use of the data for the next steerage, thereby minimizing unnecessary operations. This reduces fuel consumption by about 1% compared with conventional units. We are striving to reduce the amount of CO2 emissions by continuing to install this state-of-the-art system in our ships.
Steering stand with autopilot
Using heat shield paint to improve air-conditioner efficiency
Crew members' onboard accommodations and the bridge for navigational watch are air-conditioned. However, ships are made of metal, which readily transfers heat, and walls and ceilings become hot or cold respectively from solar heat or outside temperature. This reduces the cooling/heating efficiency of air conditioners. We therefore use heat shield paint for outer plates of the accommodations and bridges to improve air conditioning efficiency, and this reduces the power needed for cooling and the amount of steam used for heating, which in turn means lower CO2 emissions.
Heat shield paint is highly effective for a car carrier because the accommodations and upper part of the bridge are wide.
Collecting energy generated when containers are set down
"K" Line has introduced eco-friendly, energy-saving hybrid transfer cranes at its self-managed container terminals in Tokyo and Yokohama. These cranes, which are used at a terminal to sort out containers by destination, feature use of a regenerative brake. The brake stores and reuses electric power generated when hoisted containers are set down. This cuts fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in half compared with conventional cranes. The improved engines of the cranes also permit a significant reduction in noise.
A transfer crane is a self-propelled crane used for moving containers at a container terminal.
Hybrid transfer crane
Promoting the purchase of renewable energy
"K" Line America, Inc. (KAM) has affirmed its environmental commitment by purchasing renewable energy credits from Renewable Choice Energy since 2008, to offset office electricity consumption. KAM offset 60% of office electricity in 2008 and 80% in 2009. In 2010, KAM expanded its environmental commitment to a 100% offset level. This renewal also allowed it to remain a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Green Power Partner.
Green Power Partner mark entitled by the EPA Renewable Energy certificate
Measures for Preventing Air Pollution
Protecting the Atmospheric Environment
Green Flag awarded from the Port of Long Beach
As a measure for reducing the total amount of exhaust gas emissions from ships and improving the surrounding atmospheric environment, the Port of Long Beach (California, US) is running a program encouraging ships entering and leaving the port to sail at 12 knots or less within 20 nautical miles (approx. 37 kilometers) or 40 nautical miles (approx. 74 kilometers) of the harbor. The Green Flag is awarded to shipping lines that have achieved high rates of compliance with this program and had a large number of ships call at the Port. "K" Line actively participates in this program, achieving an extremely high rate of compliance every year. In 2010, we were awarded the "Green Flag" from the port authority for the sixth consecutive year.
The Green Flag Award ceremony
Response to the Tier 3 regulations over newly built ships
Ships to be built in and after 2016 will be required to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by at least 80% compared with the emissions level of the Tier 1 regulations that came into effect in 2000. "K" Line contributes to development of technologies for responding to the regulations. For example, we are undertaking a verification test of water emulsion fuel, which helps reduce NOx.
Reduction of sailing speed at Ise Bay and Mikawa Bay in Japan
We voluntarily reduce the speed of our car carriers to 12 knots or less when passing in Ise Bay and Mikawa Bay. This enables us to reduce the impact of ship navigation on the surrounding atmospheric environment, both on land and at sea. We also control emission of PM (including soot) while ships are in harbor by eliminating soot from the boiler before entering a port. After entering a port, we make the diesel-powered generator load appropriate to maintain a good combustion state.
Providing shore electricity power to ships at berth
We have facilities for supplying electricity from land (6,600V/60Hz) to ships berthing at the self-managed container terminal at the Port of Long Beach. The electricity is converted into 440V onboard, making it possible to supply all power to be used by ships at berth. This enables securing diesel-powered generators of ships at berth and reduces exhaust gas to zero, improving the air condition in the surrounding area.
Shore electricity power being supplied to the containership Genoa Bridge Connection box for shore power supply cables installed on the quay Power supply cables dropped from the ship (to be connected to the connection box)
LNG-Powered Vessel Development Project
"K" Line exerts leadership in protection of the global environment, takes a variety of environmental measures in ship operation, including development of environmentally-friendly technologies and ships. We are now attempting conversion to a ship propulsion method that will enable substantial reductions in greenhouse gases in exhaust and environmentally destructive substances. This involves the development of ships that use as fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG), considered a clean energy source. Although the construction of an onshore infrastructure to supply LNG fuel is an issue, we have nearly completed basic technical studies for the development of ships powered by LNG.
LNG-Powered Vessel Development Project
|column| Use of Water Emulsion Fuel
Water emulsion fuel and its properties
Water emulsion fuel is a mixture of fuel oil and water that has been agitated to disperse minute water particles within the fuel oil. Water emulsion fuel for diesel engines has been found to result in an approximately 20% reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx) contained in the exhaust gas. We are undertaking a verification test of equipment for using water emulsion fuel by installing it in ships operated by the "K" Line Group.
Combustion reaction of water emulsion fuel
Combustion reaction of the water emulsion fuel is illustrated on the below.
Measures for Preventing Marine Pollution
Preventing Pollution by Oil and Waste
A fleet of double-hull tankers
Our tankers feature a double-hull structure, which prevents the leakage of cargo oil into the sea if the ship is damaged in a collision, for example. Transportation by single-hull tankers will be prohibited in 2015 under the MARPOL Convention.
The MARPOL Convention is an international convention that sets out rules for preventing marine and air pollution caused by ship operations, etc.
Large double-hull tanker (VLCC) YAMATOGAWA
Using the Air Seal for the Stern Tube
We apply an air seal for the stern tube of our ships. An air seal is a device that continuously sends compressed air into the space in the stern tube where the propeller shaft penetrates out of the ship. This creates a sealed area inside the stern tube, which prevents leakage of lubricating oil and stops seawater from getting into the ship.
Air Seal for the Stern Tube
Use of electric powered deck equipments
We are introducing to our new ships electrically driven deck equipment, such as mooring winch and ramp ways, instead of hydraulic powered equipment. This has eliminated the risk of hydraulic oil leaks.
Electric mooring winch and mooring lines (forward deck)
Central Cooling System (Indirect Cooling System)
The Central Cooling System cools the engine coolant and lubricating oil indirectly by exchanging heat with seawater via dedicated freshwater. Use of this system prevents leakages or spills of lubricating oil into the sea, because seawater does not become contaminated with lubricating oil in this system. In the event of the cooling system failure, leaked lubricating oil remains in the freshwater circuit only and never contaminates seawater and is never discharged into the sea.
Measures for Preserving Biodiversity
Considerations for the Eco-system
Promoting the use of environmentally friendly paints
The adherence of marine organisms to the surface of a ship increases fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, since they increase the resistance of the ship's surface against seawater. The organisms are also introduced into remote waters, which may affect local eco-systems. The use of paints containing tributyltin (TBT) is a highly effective way to prevent the adherence of marine organisms. However, we pioneered the use of tin-free paints, which do not contain TBT, since TBT was found to be harmful to eco-systems. We also promote the use of non-toxic silicone paints and polymer paints.
A ship being coated with silicone paint (the red colored part) at the dry dock.
Managing ballast water properly
Ballast water, which is used to retain the stability of the ship, contains marine life and may influence the eco-system in the area where it is discharged. We minimize the influence by replacing ballast water in ocean areas with less marine life, while ensuring the stability and safety of ships. We are also studying ballast water treatment systems, installation of which will be mandatory after the Ballast Water Management Convention comes into effect. Meanwhile, we are taking other steps to minimize the impact on eco-systems, such as the introduction of large containerships that use the smallest possible volume of ballast water and car carriers with fixed ballast made from concrete.
|column| Ship Recycling
Ship demolition with safety and environmental considerations
Ships that have completed all their missions are demolished and utilized effectively as iron resources. Most demolition work, however, is done manually because it is hard to mechanize or automate. Consequently, occupational health and safety and environmental burden need to be considered in ship demolish work. It is also important to recognize in advance which parts of the ship contain substances harmful to the human body and/or the environment.
Inventory of the car carrier New York Highway
Built in 1985, this ship used asbestos, TBT, and CFC (specified chlorofluorocarbon), substances that are now banned. Asbestos was used for gaskets tucked into connections of portions that become hot, including the engine's exhaust system, boiler furnace, and steam piping. TBT, which at the time was not banned, was used for the paint for the ship bottom. TBT paint is permitted to be sealed off by coating the painted surface with another paint not containing TBT. CFC was used for the freezer for cooling down the large amount of CO2 serving as fire extinguisher for the cargo hold, where cars are loaded. An inventory is a document that includes drawings and a detailed list of portions where these substances are used, along with the amount of each substance. Information contained in the inventory can be referred to for collecting the harmful substances safely without letting them disperse, which prevents impact on the surrounding area.
Taking part in the Muroran Project
A pilot project for establishing a safe, efficient, advanced ship recycling system was launched under the initiative of Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. This project involved a demonstration ship demolition experiment, which was undertaken in Muroran, Hokkaido, from February- October 2010. The ship used in this experiment was the New York Highway, a car carrier formerly operated by "K" Line. The experiment results yielded a great deal of knowledge needed for demolition. As much as 13,732 tons of iron was also collected as a resource.
The funnel of the New York Highway that was removed (front) and the ship being demolished (back).
Measures for Recycling and Conserving Resources
Measures Taken at Offices
Efforts for minimizing and recycling waste
At onshore offices, we make efforts to use resources efficiently and minimize consumption. For example, printers are set to print contents on both sides of each sheet and/or to print contents for two pages at reduced scale on each page. We also segregate waste from offices to recycle it into resources.
Promoting procurement of eco-friendly goods
For office products, we use an ordering system that gives priority to products complying with the Act on Promoting Green Purchasing, and Eco Mark-certified products. To further promote this measure, we calculate the green procurement ratio every month and announce it to the entire company, thereby raising awareness among staff members. We also encourage our staff members to prevent wasteful procurement.
Efforts for saving electricity consumption
To save electricity consumption, we ensure appropriate air conditioner temperature settings and turn off unneeded lights. We have strengthened these daily efforts in response to the reduction of electricity supply due to the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake. We respond to social demand in ways such as turning off lights near windows, reducing the number of lights we use, and turning lights off wherever unnecessary.
Paperless recording of reefer container temperature control
Temperature control of reefer containers is a critical task. We continually monitor the temperature control status by recording temperature changes in a container during transportation. Traditionally, a sheet of paper for recording the temperature would be attached to each container and then removed and stored after transportation. In 2009, we switched to a system for downloading electronic data from temperature controllers and abolished the use of recording paper. This saves us about 100,000 sheets of paper each year.
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