front of ship sailing through ocean
Sean Cate
Sean Cate
September 17, 2024 ·  3 min read

The Future of Ocean Transportation? Japan Testing Clean Energy Biomethane-Powered Ships

Japan is moving forward in its quest to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 by exploring biomethane-powered ships. Produced from animal manure, this clean energy being tested as a near-future alternative fuel source. This initiative could help Japan meet its decarbonization goals while addressing waste management challenges. Here’s a closer look at Japan’s groundbreaking efforts.

Exploring Biomethane for Shipping

MOL Sunflower Shipping Frigate
Credit: MOL Sunflower

A group of Japanese companies, including Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), is studying the viability of using biomethane from dairy farms to fuel ships. This project, in collaboration with organizations like Hamanaka Town and Hokkaido Gas Co., could boost Japan’s efforts toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.1

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What is Biomethane?

Dairy farming in Hamanaka Town.
Credit: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines

Biomethane is a refined form of biogas, which is produced from organic waste like animal manure. After purification, it can be used as a substitute for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in marine engines. This renewable energy source holds significant potential for reducing carbon emissions and powering vessels.2

A Cleaner Alternative to LNG

Natural gas lines
Credit: Unsplash

LNG has already made strides in reducing emissions in the shipping industry, cutting CO2 emissions by 25-40%. However, biomethane promises even greater reductions, especially when sourced from organic waste like manure. MOL’s ships aim to further reduce emissions, making a big step toward decarbonization.

Improving Waste Management

Dairy cows eating
Credit Unsplash

Beyond reducing carbon emissions, producing biomethane helps manage organic waste from Japan’s dairy farms. By converting manure into energy, this project could also reduce landfill waste and the environmental hazards associated with it.3

Testing in Hokkaido

Overhead view of Kyoto, Japan
Credit: Unsplash

The feasibility study will focus on Hamanaka Town, Hokkaido. The project aims to evaluate biomethane’s potential to power both factories and ships. If successful, this study could lead to widespread use in Japan’s maritime industry, reducing both emissions and fuel costs.

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Global Biomethane Efforts

factory contributing to CO2 emissions
Credit: Unsplash

Japan’s move aligns with a global trend toward biomethane adoption. For instance, France’s CMA CGM introduced similar shipping services in 2021, aiming to cut CO2 emissions by 67%. This demonstrates growing international recognition of a cleaner, sustainable energy source.

MOL’s Expanding Green Fleet

An existing LNG clean energy vessel of MOL.
Credit: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines

MOL Sunflower, a subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, is already expanding its fleet with two LNG-powered vessels, expected to be operational by 2025. As the study progresses, these vessels could transition to biomethane, further reducing emissions in MOL’s operations.

Biomethane in Global Shipping

shipping frigate leaving the dock
Credit: Unsplash

Countries beyond Japan are also exploring biomethane. Earlier this year, a record-breaking ship-to-ship delivery of 2,200 metric tons of the liquefied fuel was completed at the Port of Rotterdam. Such developments highlight the growing importance in global clean energy efforts.

Easy Integration into Existing Infrastructure

heavy-duty gas line
Credit: Unsplash

One of the advantages of biomethane is its compatibility with existing LNG infrastructure, which allows for an easier transition to cleaner energy. This compatibility makes it an attractive option for reducing emissions in the maritime industry without requiring significant system changes.

Paving the Way to Net-Zero by 2050

factory tower surrounded by green space
Credit: Unsplash

Japan’s testing of biomethane-powered ships is part of a larger strategy to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. With this initiative, Japan could set a new standard for clean energy in shipping. If the trials are successful, this fuel could play a crucial role in decarbonizing maritime transportation across the globe.

Conclusion

a ship full of cargo
Credit: Unsplash

Japan’s move to test biomethane as a fuel for ships represents a significant leap forward in clean energy transition. By utilizing renewable energy from organic waste, Japan aims to meet its environmental goals and contribute to the decarbonization of the global shipping industry. Biomethane holds immense potential, and its successful integration could transform the future of maritime energy.

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Sources

  1. Cow-dung powered ships being tested in Japan for clean energy experiment.” Interesting Engineering. Mrigakshi Dixit. August 2024.
  2. MOL: Biomethane from animal manure could fuel vessels in the future.” Offshore. Naida Hakirevic Prevljak. August 19, 2024.
  3. Cow poo-powered ships make first foray into Japanese waters, testing future feasibility.” Good Good Good. August 21, 2024.