The world's first electric-powered tanker ship, which has no carbon footprint, will go into service in Tokyo Bay later this month.

The 62-meter-long Asahi runs entirely on electric power provided by batteries that have a capacity equivalent to that found in 100 street-going electric vehicles.

Compared to conventional tankers, the Asahi generates less noise and vibration and has more space for crew.

The ship will be used to supply fuel oil to other vessels in Tokyo Bay.

The chief technology officer of e5 Lab, which was involved in creating the vessel, says he hopes that sharing know-how on building eco-friendly, next-generation vessels will help strengthen the global competitiveness of Japanese shipbuilders.

In a separate development, major Japanese shipping firm NYK Line is involved in a project aimed at creating a zero-emission ship that runs on ammonia.