Japanese shipowner Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has invested in a startup company Carnot that develops technology for highly efficient engines using heat-resistant materials.
Steel and aluminium engines require constant cooling to prevent them from overheating, which reduces performance and increases the risk of engine failure. Cooling could consume around 30% of an engine’s combustion energy.
Carnot is developing engine technology that eliminates energy loss during the cooling process and dramatically increases thermal efficiency and fuel efficiency by using highly heat-resistant materials.
The engine now under development by Carnot, has the potential to improve fuel efficiency by 20%-40% compared to conventional engines.
“Based on the results of demonstration tests and the feasibility of this technology, MOL will consider applying it to its fleet of merchant vessels in the future,” the Japanese company said.
Through its investment in Carnot, the group aims not only to reduce GHG emissions and pursue economic efficiency in its operated vessels but also to contribute to GHG reductions in any industry that relies on internal combustion engines.