What's Happening?
NYK has installed a compact plant cultivation rack aboard the coal carrier Pirika Moshiri Maru, operated for Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Inc. The system, called 'PUTRACK,' developed by Plants Laboratory Co., Ltd., uses water-saving cultivation technology
requiring minimal water. This design allows flexible adjustment of racks and tiers to match the ship's space, enabling efficient vegetable cultivation even in limited onboard space. This technology facilitates continual harvesting of fresh vegetables at sea, improving onboard meal quality and contributing to seafarer health. Additionally, it aims to reduce provisioning workload and minimize food loss, addressing the challenge of maintaining vegetable freshness during long ocean voyages.
Why It's Important?
The installation of the PUTRACK system represents a significant advancement in maritime provisioning, particularly for long-term voyages where maintaining fresh produce is challenging. By enhancing meal quality and health for seafarers, this technology could lead to improved crew morale and productivity. Furthermore, the reduction in food loss and provisioning workload aligns with broader sustainability goals, potentially setting a precedent for other shipping companies to adopt similar technologies. This initiative may also influence the maritime industry's approach to onboard food management, emphasizing efficiency and environmental responsibility.
