NYK inks electricity carrier development deal

The collaboration includes development of the energy storage system prototype and its pilot and full-scale implementation. A prototype for a 100-metre power transfer vessel capable of sailing 300 kilometres will be developed and tested as part of PowerX’s Power ARK project which aims to efficiently distribute renewable energy to regions with high demand, ultimately leading to the greater utilisation of clean energy resources throughout Japan.

Through this new alliance, both companies will work together to promote zero-emission vessels and accelerate the adoption of offshore wind power.

In December 2021, PowerX entered into a non-binding letter of intent with DNV to collaborate on the technical assessment of the Power ARK vessel concept and its battery system, as well as the potential development of a new class notation for Power ARK’s global implementation.

PowerX has also entered into a capital and business alliance with Imabari Shipbuilding to jointly develop the first prototype of the 200MWh capacity Power ARK by the end of 2025.

PowerX CEO & Representative Director Masahiro Ito said: “We are pleased to announce our strategic alliance with NYK, one of Japan’s leading shipping companies. Through this partnership with NYK, PowerX will continue our efforts to develop marine ESS and electric vessels in the hope of contributing to carbon neutrality.”

NYK Senior Managing Executive Officer Tomoyuki Koyama said: “Marine batteries are the key to solving the obstacles facing renewable energy adoption and expansion. By bringing much-needed innovation to zero-emission vessels and offshore wind energy, PowerX takes a big leap beyond conventional battery storage. Through this partnership, NYK will strive to resolve the many challenges to the shipping industry, such as the shift to zero-emission vessels and automation, as well as the promotion and the adoption of renewable energy.”