Japan announces plan to reduce ship CO2 emissions by 30%

Japan’s government, ship owners, shipbuilders and equipment manufacturers are joining in a concerted effort to reduce CO2 emissions from ships. The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced in June that the government, ship owners, shipbuilders and equipment manufacturers will cooperate to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from ships. The participants in the joint effort will contribute to a fund worth ¥3.6 billion (US$37.39 million), with a third of the money coming from the government. Nippon Yusen Kaisha Lines, Mitsui OSK Lines and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd., the country’s leading operators, said that besides financial contribution, they will use their experience to ensure results within a four-year timeframe. The aim of the projects is to reduce CO2 emissions by 30%. Meanwhile, a separate initiative called “The 10 Modes of the Sea”, coordinated by the government, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) and other Japanese maritime bodies, will attempt to determine the fuel efficiency of vessels under an extraordinary range of conditions. (June 11, 2009)