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Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced that it has verified continuous operation of the main engine in all load ranges, by increasing the output of the engine’s auxiliary blower motor. MOL says the development is set to open up more opportunities for low-speed operation to reduce fuel consumption.

Generally, the main engine of an ocean shipping vessel takes air into the combustion chamber using an auxiliary blower for low speeds or low-load ranges, and a turbocharger for high speeds or in high-load ranges. However, continuous operation of the engine between ranges has been difficult to achieve due to degraded combustion and increased exhaust gas temperature caused by air shortage.

MOL’s says recent tests have verified that increasing the output of the auxiliary blower motor ensures a sufficient air supply to allow continuous operation in all load ranges.

"Low-speed vessel operation is an effective way to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Allowing for vessel operation without limiting load ranges opens up more opportunities for low-speed operation than ever before. It is also one of the basic technologies for the “ISHIN-III” series of next-generation vessels MOL announced as an initiative to reduce the environmental impact of its ocean shipping operations," MOL said in a statement.

"MOL continues to study ways to apply the results of this test to its operating vessels as it works toward the ongoing reduction of CO2 emissions," MOL added.