Marubeni Corporation (hereinafter, “Marubeni”), together with Asahi Tanker Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, “Asahi Tanker”), worked on a project registration for the J-Credit Scheme*1 to reduce greenhouse gas (hereinafter, “GHG”) emissions using the world’s first pure battery tanker (EV tanker) “Asahi” operated by Asahi Tanker, and it was approved by the J-Credit Scheme Certification Committee on March 15. 

In general, tankers use heavy oil as a power source; however, GHG emissions from heavy oil use are a burden on the global environment and have become a major issue. In recent years, efforts toward decarbonization have been promoted throughout the industry, which has included explorations into alternative fuels for ships.

From October 2022, Marubeni has been chartering Asahi as a bunker barge and is using it to sell marine fuel to ships within the Tokyo Bay area. By switching its power source from conventional heavy oil to high-capacity lithium-ion batteries and using renewable energy*2 for the power supply, Marubeni has achieved zero emissions of GHGs such as CO2, NOx (nitrogen oxides), SOx (sulfur oxides), and soot during marine fuel supply.

Marubeni formulated its long-term vision for climate change in March 2021, and has positioned green strategy as one of its basic policies to improve corporate value in its Mid-Term Management Strategy GC2024. In addition, it has been involved in the creation and trading of Credits for more than 15 years and has accumulated know-how on calculating GHG emissions and applying and trading J-Credits. Marubeni will continue to collaborate with Asahi Tanker and contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions in the shipping industry.

*1 The J-Credit Scheme is designed to certify the amount of greenhouse gas emissions reduced and removed by sinks within Japan.
*2 Using electricity purchased together with a non-fossil fuel certificate.

Specifications of Asahi:
(1) Dimensions:	LOA 62.00m / Breadth 10.30m / Draft 4.70m
(2) Ship classification society:	Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK)
(3) Cargo:	Fuel oil
(4) Gross tonnage:	492 tons
(5) Speed:	About 10 knots
(6) Cargo tank capacity:	1,277㎥
(7) Propulsion equipment:	Azimuth thrusters 300kw x 2 Side thrusters 68kw x 2
(8) Battery capacity:	3,480kwh

Asahi Tanker Overview:
Company Name:	Asahi Tanker Co., Ltd.
Head Office:	1–2–2 Uchisaiwai-Cho, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo
Representative:	Shigekazu Haruyama
Website:	https://www.asahi-tanker.com/en/
Main Business:	Shipping business, shipping agency business, customs clearance business, sales and import/export trade business of petroleum products and marine equipment, freight forwarding business, ship management business, and other related businesses.