Drax, Japanese partners sign MoU to develop ‘bioship’ technology

In the UK, British renewable energy business, Drax Group said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japanese companies NYK Line (NYK), NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers (NBP) and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, to develop what it claims to be the world’s first biomass-fuelled ship (bioship) and the technology that could power it.

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

Drax said that 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.

“This MoU is an important step in the development of the technology required to power and launch the world’s first bioship, which will support Drax’s decarbonisation goals but could also drive the innovation needed to transform shipping and cut carbon emissions and fuel costs in global supply chains,” said Paul Sheffield, Drax Group’s Chief Commercial Officer.

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