THE JAPAN NEWS



 

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. is considering entering the wave-power generation business, the company has announced.

In a bid to construct power generation facilities in waters near Japan, the company will examine from April appropriate construction areas and the business’ profitability.

In partnership with Bombora Wave Power, a British manufacturer of power generators, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines plans to introduce a wave-power generation system developed by Bombora. The system features air-inflated rubber membranes about 15 meters long — as waves pass over the device, the air inside the membranes is squeezed through a turbine to generate electricity.

The Japanese government has stipulated in its basic energy plan that it will prioritize the research and development of wave-power generation.

In the past, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has provided ships used to set up offshore wind-power generation facilities. By entering the wave-power generation business, it is seeking to respond to the global trend of decarbonization.