Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) President & CEO Takeshi Hashimoto announced its intent to invest in Carnot Ltd. President Francis Lempp, based in the U.K. This startup company develops technology for highly efficient engines using heat-resistant materials. This project has been led by MOL (Europe Africa) LTD.

Steel and aluminum engines require constant cooling to prevent overheating, which reduces performance and increases the risk of engine failure. Therefore, about 30% of an engine’s combustion energy is consumed for cooling. Carnot is developing engine technology that eliminates energy loss during the cooling process and dramatically increases thermal and fuel efficiency using highly heat-resistant materials. The engine now under development by Carnot has the potential to improve fuel efficiency by 20% to 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.

MOL Group has placed initiatives to address sustainability issues at the core of its “BLUE ACTION 2035” management plan, aiming to achieve sustainable growth that contributes to social problems and addresses environmental issues. Through its investment in Carnot, the group seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, pursue economic efficiency in its operated vessels, and contribute to GHG reductions in the shipping industry and other industries that rely on internal combustion engines.

Source: SeaNews