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Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. have jointly developed a new energy-saving technology called the MT-COWL, which reduces the wind resistance of the vessel’s superstructure.

A wind tunnel test using a model showed that wind resistance was reduced by 10 percent. Applying this percentage to a 180,000 DWT bulk carrier, NYK Line claims a reduction in CO2 emissions of 520 tonnes a year can be realized as a result of the enhanced fuel efficiency.

The innovative MT-COWL technology lowers wind resistance by attaching an add-on structure to the facades of the bridge wings and support pillars for the vessel’ssuperstructure, which creates corners with a slanted shape to reduce the effects of wind resistance.

To reduce the wind resistance of the residential area, the two companies have developed various structural forms for the area including a slanted corner configuration, and applied the structure to an 180,000 DWT bulk carrier that has a wider superstructure than other vessels. Moreover, focusing on the fact that the facades of bridge wings and support pillars account for 30 percent of the total superstructure, the two companies have pursued R&D into shapes and developed the MT-COWL technology, which will aim to further reduce wind resistance.

A prototype of the MT-COWL has been installed on a 180,000 DWT bulker, Cardinal Victory, and tested during the vessel’s trial voyage. Cardinal Victory was ordered by NYK Line, which took delivery of the vessel on July 4.

With an eye to applying this technology to newly-built vessels as well as existing ones, the results acquired during the shipboard tests will be analyzed and utilized for ongoing R&D activities, NYK Line said.

"As awareness toward environmental issues is heightened, NYK Line and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding position CO2 reduction as the first priority, and have engaged in joint R&D projects to advance the propulsive capability and environmental performances of vessels," NYK Line said.

The two companies have previously worked together on another project aimed at reducing fuel consumption. In February 2008, the two companies developed MT-FAST,2 an energy-saving hull appendage fitted to a vessel’s hull in front of its propeller, and installed it on vessels built by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding.