Nissan's Nichioh Maru Cuts Carbon Using Solar Panels and Advanced Engineering
Michael Hines — February 2, 2012 — Eco
Nissan is taking its green transportation campaign to the high seas with the new Nichioh Maru car carrier. The Nichioh Maru is designed to carry cars between the islands of Japan and is a major step forward for green ship building.
The Nichioh Maru features 281 photovoltaic panels used to provide power for the ship's LED lighting system. The engine of the Maru is diesel-powered and is computer-controlled for optimal fuel efficiency. Other eco features include a shapely hull designed to cut friction with the sea to improve fuel economy. The Nichioh Maru can carry an impressive 1,380 vehicles and is estimated to cut carbon emissions by 4,200 tons annually. Car companies are doing their part for green private transportation, but oceangoing vessels and big rigs are still horrible polluters.
The Nichioh Maru features 281 photovoltaic panels used to provide power for the ship's LED lighting system. The engine of the Maru is diesel-powered and is computer-controlled for optimal fuel efficiency. Other eco features include a shapely hull designed to cut friction with the sea to improve fuel economy. The Nichioh Maru can carry an impressive 1,380 vehicles and is estimated to cut carbon emissions by 4,200 tons annually. Car companies are doing their part for green private transportation, but oceangoing vessels and big rigs are still horrible polluters.
Trend Themes
1. Green Transportation - The use of solar-powered car carriers and advanced engineering techniques on ships is a disruptive innovation opportunity for reducing carbon emissions in the shipping industry.
2. Renewable Energy - The integration of photovoltaic panels on ships presents an opportunity for a disruptive innovation in utilizing renewable energy sources for powering transportation.
3. Fuel Efficiency - The computer-controlled engine and aerodynamic design of the Nichioh Maru highlight the potential for disruptive innovation in improving fuel efficiency in shipping.
Industry Implications
1. Shipping Industry - The integration of solar panels and advanced engineering in car carriers presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the shipping industry, allowing for more sustainable transportation methods.
2. Renewable Energy Industry - The use of photovoltaic panels on ships opens up an innovative opportunity within the renewable energy industry, expanding the possibilities for solar power utilization.
3. Automotive Industry - The green car carriers offer a disruptive innovation opportunity for the automotive industry to further align with sustainable transportation methods and reduce carbon emissions in the shipping process.
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