On November 14, 2024, NYK (Nippon Yusen Kaisha, NYK) announced that it, together with its group company MTI (Monohakobi Technology Institute), has filed a patent for a technology specifically designed for the transportation of Reduced Iron(RI) using dry bulk carriers. The steel industry, in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is moving away from blast furnace steel production, which relies on iron ore and coke (carbonized coal), and transitioning toward electric arc furnace methods and processes utilizing RI. The initiative by NYK and MTI focuses on enhancing quality control in the maritime transport of RI, which is anticipated to experience growing demand.
Photo courtesy=NYK
The patented technology integrates a system comprising the collection of cargo hold environment data, estimation of cargo hold conditions, onboard safety and quality management support, and land-based safety and quality management support. This comprehensive system aims to simplify the challenges of ensuring safety and quality during DRI maritime transport, facilitating safer and higher-quality logistics. Additionally, it contributes to decarbonization in the steel industry and improves working conditions for seafarers.
■Characteristics and Importance of Reduced Iron Transport
Reduced iron has become a focal point in the steel industry’s pursuit of carbon neutrality, as it eliminates the need for coke in blast furnace processes. The maritime transport of DRI in various forms from production sites to demand centers is expected to grow significantly. However, DRI’s susceptibility to overheating, fires, and explosions during transport underscores the necessity for proper cargo management. Furthermore, introducing improved cargo management techniques is essential for enhancing seafarers’ working conditions. The newly developed technology addresses these critical
challenges.
■ Details of the New Technology
1. Collection of Cargo Hold Environment Data
Leveraging IoT (Internet of Things) technology, the system collects real-time environmental data from cargo holds, including temperature, humidity, and oxygen/nitrogen concentrations. Remote monitoring reduces the risk of cargo damage. Moreover, it minimizes the frequency of crew inspections inside cargo holds, lowering the risk of accidents such as falls, suffocation, and human error in measurements.
2. Estimation of Cargo Hold Conditions
By incorporating ship specifications (e.g., vessel type and age), operational data (e.g., voyage distance and duration), and pre-loading cargo information (e.g., quantity and temperature), the system uses machine learning to estimate conditions in the cargo held during the voyage.
3. Onboard Safety and Quality Management Support
The system visualizes the condition of the cargo by analyzing environmental data such as temperature and oxygen/hydrogen concentrations to confirm that the cargo is maintained in an optimal state. It also suggests appropriate timings for inert gas injection and provides specific countermeasures, supporting safety assessments in the cargo hold.
4. Land-Based Safety and Quality Management Support
Using satellite communications, environmental data collected from sensors in the cargo hold can be monitored in real-time from land-based offices. This system enables integrated safety and quality management, reducing reliance on crew expertise and fostering collaboration between ship and shore.
By addressing the risks inherent in the transport of DRI, this innovative technology enables safer and more efficient maritime logistics. It also supports the steel industry’s efforts toward decarbonization while enhancing the safety and working conditions of seafarers.
〆日本郵船（Nippon Yusen Kaisha、NYK Line）とMTI（Monohakobi Technology Institute）、ドライバルク船での還元鉄輸送技術に関する特許を出願
日本郵船は2024年11月14日、日本郵船と同社グループのMTI（Monohakobi Technology Institute）が、ドライバルク船による還元鉄輸送技術に関する特許を出願したと発表した。鉄鋼業界では、鉄鉱石とコークス（蒸し焼きにした石炭）を原料とする高炉での鉄鋼生産を見直し、温室効果ガス削減の観点から、電炉への転換や還元鉄を使用する製造法に切り替える方針を打ち出している。このたびの日本郵船とMTIの取り組みは、今後、海上輸送で需要が増加する還元鉄の輸送における品質管理を徹底する技術である。
今回出願された技術は、船倉内環境データの収集、船倉内環境の推定、船上での安全・品質管理支援、陸上からの安全・品質管理支援の各技術を統合したシステムで構成されている。このシステムにより、安全性や品質管理が難しい還元鉄の海上輸送を容易にし、より安全かつ高品質な輸送を可能にすることで、鉄鋼業界の脱炭素化や船員の労働環境の向上に寄与する。
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