Nissan is going green, and not just with its vehicle offerings. Following the successful launch of its zero-emissions Leaf EV, Nissan has launched one of the world’s most efficient vehicles transporters.
No matter how environmentally friendly a vehicle is, there is plenty of room for waste during the production process, including the physical act of bringing a car to market. Looking to cut down on that kind of waste, Nissan has launched a highly-efficient coastal car carrier called the Nichio Maru.
Stretching over 557 feet in length – about the equivalent of 1.5 football fields – the Nichio Maru represents Nissan’s first foray into the realm of sustainable mobility for for the water. The Nichio Marus is the first Japanese coastal ship to feature solar power panels.
Those panels are used to power the ship’s lighting systems, which use highly-efficient LED bulbs. The ship’s hull is also coated in a high-tech low-friction coating, which improves efficiency.
The ship’s motivation is provided by an electronically controlled diesel engine. Although not zero-emissions like the Leaf, Nissan says the powertrain saves about 1,400 tons of fuel per year and reduces emissions by about 18 percent. The Nichio Maru can hit a top speed of 24.4mph.
The ship, which set sail on its maiden voyage on January 27, can transport up to 1,380 vehicles.
The Nichio Maru will be limited to Japanese shipping lanes, but Nissan could launch similar vessels in its quest to become the world’s greenest automaker.
