The Japanese shipbuilders Koa Sangyou Co and Imura Zosen KK will each be responsible for building one ship, while Kawasaki Heavy Industries will act as the duo's system integrator.

The two vessels, described as the world's first electric-powered zero-emission tankers, are scheduled for delivery in March 2022 and March 2023, respectively.

The two tankers will follow the design of the "e5 tanker" developed by e5 Lab Inc, a company set up by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Asahi Tanker, Exeno Yamamizu Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation to build infrastructure services based on electrically driven vessels in the marine shipping industry.

The tankers will be entirely operated by large-capacity lithium ion batteries and are expected to go into operation in Tokyo Bay as bunker vessels.

In order to minimize the crews' onboard workload and improve the operational efficiency of the ship, the vessels will incorporate various automated equipment and digital technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT).

Maritime Business World