The CS Yuasa company in Japan makes motorcycle and traction batteries / chargers, and power supply systems for industry. Its products also include lithium-ion batteries for auto, industry and aerospace applications. Therefore, this may have inspired Oshima Shipbuilding Co. Ltd to use its products for Japans first battery ship. By all accounts she looks mighty handsome thrusting through the waves.
Oshima Builders of Japans First Battery Ship
Oshima is a joint venture between Sumitomo Corporation, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, and the Daizo Corporation. The host Oshima Island carries the by-line ‘the town of shipbuilding’. That’s perhaps because the company has built 400 bulk carriers there at an average rate of 25 a year.
However, Japans first battery ship is a departure from Oshima’s single-hull, double-hull, and proprietary hybrid hull configuration vessels. Its new state-of-art 340 ton marine ferry, “e-Oshima” runs entirely on lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, this includes additional power for loading, off-loading and other operational requirements.
The E-Oshima Boasts Impressive Capacity
E-Oshima attended its naming ceremony on June 12, 2019. The ferry had much to boast on the occasion, including capacity for fifty passengers, a large bus, and four autos. Moreover, the vessel emits no CO2 pollution whether in motion, or moored because it is entirely electrical.
The E-Oshima is a full-blown ocean ferry with automatic ship-handling systems. This technology helps avoid collisions, while transporting the company’s employees to and from work.
The 600kWh lithium batteries power all the ship’s systems. Moreover, they recharge fully within two and a half hours.
CS Yuasa’s batteries boast high energy density. They already deliver power in deep sea submarines, the International Space Station and the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
We wish E-Oshima and its lithium batteries may years of happy voyaging. Japan has numerous ferries between its islands. Therefore we hope to hear news of Japans first battery ship exploiting commercial applications soon.
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Preview Image: E-Oshima Sets Sail on Another Voyage
