NYK converting ships so they can “plug-in” at ports

NYK converting ships so they can “plug-in” at ports

NYK converting ships so they can “plug-in” at ports

Japanese carrier NYK said it will over the next few years deploy 38 containerships with the ability to “cold iron” at ports, or shut down the onboard diesel power generators while at berth and connect directly to more environmentally friendly shore-side electrical power.

   NYK said the initiative will cost $22 million and that it expects to have 30 ships with so-called alternative maritime power (AMP) technology by 2009.

   Following the lead of the NYK ATLAS, 20 new ships on order will be built from the keel up to have AMP technology, another 17 will be retrofitted.

   The ships will be Panamax and post-Panamax vessels ranging in size from 4,800 TEUs to 8,600 TEUs.