Seven Japanese companies have formed a consortium with the goal of establishing new ocean shipping infrastructure services through various initiatives to develop, realize, and commercialize zero-emission electric vessels. The e5 Consortium is comprised of Asahi Tanker, Idemitsu Kosan, Exeno Yamamizu Corporation, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, Tokyo Electric Power Company, and Mitsubishi Corporation. The consortium is focusing their attention on fulfilling the potential of electric vessels to solve the urgent issues in coastal shipping. The partnership builds on the accomplishments already made in the field including Asahi Tanker’s plans to build the world’s first two zero-emission electrically powered bunker tankers. The newbuilds, powered by large-capacity lithium ion batteries, are planned to be delivered sequentially from March 2022 to March 2023 and will enter Tokyo Bay as marine fuel supply vessels. Launching of the ships will mark the consortium’s first stage of the project.
