MOL will develop a new technology to assist onboard hydrogen production
Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is developing a water filtration system for cost-effective hydrogen generation onboard vessels.
PHOTO: Prototype of MOL's Wind Hunter concept. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
One of the major stages of hydrogen production is seawater purification by passing it through a filter to remove organic, inorganic impurities and sludge. However, currently used filters need frequent replacement, which incurs a substantial cost burden, MOL says.
To reduce the cost of hydrogen production, MOL along with Japan’s Kyushu University and industrial machinery supplier Taiyo Sangyo will develop an innovative water purification system. The system is expected to be "long-lasting, durable, and high-performance", and will also be capable of removing bacteria from water, claims MOL.
The filtration system will be installed on MOL's Wind Hunter vessel to provide clean water for hydrogen production. Wind Hunter will use offshore wind energy to produce hydrogen for powering the vessel.
The system will be developed not only for seawater but also for fresh water, MOL says.
“The development of more efficient onboard technology to produce pure water from seawater in the Wind Hunter project will mark a major step toward the realization of large zero-emission ships,” the company adds.
The project will receive a subsidy from Japan's Shiga Prefecture program, which covers up to half of its budgeted expenses.
By Konica Bhatt
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