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Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has announced the start of a demonstration test of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) system installed on the diesel engine used for power generation on an MOL Group-operated ocean-going vessel. Acccording to MOL, it is the world's first application of a self-cleaning DPF on an ocean-going ship.

With research support from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), MOL and Akasaka Diesels Ltd., the project has jointly developed a DPF system for marine diesel engines, which runs on heavy "C" oil. The initiative forms part of ClassNK's program to support joint research and development projects between industry and academia.

MOL previously conducted a DPF demonstration test in 2010 using the main engine of a ferry serving coastal areas in Japan. The technology used in the DPF system project forms part of MOL's ongoing effort to reduce air pollution as one of the environmental strategies of its midterm management plan, entitled GEAR UP! MOL.

The system incorporates a filter that relies on silicon carbide ceramic fibers. The filter collects particulate matter (PM) when exhaust gas travels through it. According to MOL, the filter is able to collect over 80 percent of PM produced by the engine, thus significantly reducing black smoke emissions.

It is also a self-cleaning system that automatically combusts and eliminates PM buildup in the filter. This allows for continual operation without clogging of the filter, and requires no maintenance by seafarers.

The demonstration test is scheduled to last for approximately one year - with an operating time of around 4,000 hours - in order to verify the system's PM collection performance. Once the test has been completed, the durability of the DPF system will be assessed.

The test commenced in November 2011 and the DPF system is said to have already operated smoothly for over 500 hours.

"The company continues to take a proactive stance in the adoption of various technologies that reduce the environmental burden of its activities," MOL said.