NYK Line (NYK), NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers (NBP), Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and British renewable energy business, Drax Group, have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop both the world’s first biomass-fueled ship, which they are calling a “bioship,” and the technology to power it. 

The companies said they will initially conduct research to develop the new shipping technology, an on-board biomass fuel plant, which would be required to power a bioship. The biomass fuel plant would use a gasifier to combust biomass at high temperatures and create and contain gases including carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane. These gases would then be used to power a generator which could propel the bioship and also provide a proportion of its internal power.

Drax said in a May 14 release that biomass is playing a growing role in Japan’s transition from fossil fuel power generation to low carbon and renewable electricity, and the country’s demand for biomass pellets, sourced primarily from North America and composed of sawmill and forestry residues, is increasing.

Drax produces biomass pellets in both the U.S. and Canada. The company has a longstanding relationship with NBP which transports its pellets to Japan.

The four companies are exploring how other renewable technologies could be used to reduce both the emissions and fuel costs of shipping biomass.