Nichio Maru

Nissan today unveiled the Nichio Maru, its energy efficient car carrier that will efficiently transport completed vehicles and parts on one of Japan’s main maritime shipping routes. So what makes this vessel green?

First off, the Nichio Maru comes with solar power panels for the first time on a coastal ship in Japan and is propelled by an electronically controlled diesel engine. What’s more, electricity is saved by the use of LED lighting in the hold and the crew quarters, while the outside hull is painted with low-friction paint.

The ship will operate on the main maritime route among the Kanto (Oppama), Kinki (Kobe) and Kyushu (Kanda) regions. The company usually operates four sailings per week on this route, but it will increase to six times per week with the addition of the new carrier.