First-Ever Hydroponic Vegetable Grower Notation Awarded To Tokei Kaiun’s Bulk Carrier

ClassNK has issued the first “ELW (HP)” notation for a hydroponic vegetable grower installed in a vessel. ROYAL LAUREL, the bulk carrier owned by Tokei Kaiun Ltd., received the notation.

This ship is currently the first in ClassNK’s registration to earn the “ELW (HP)” notation, signifying an important step toward improving sailors’ living conditions.

ClassNK’s “ELW (HP)” notation stands for “Excellent Living and Working Environment (Hydroponics)”. It is designed to recognize vessels that exceed the Maritime Labour Convention’s (MLC, 2006) minimum standards to improve onboard living and working conditions.

By exceeding regulatory requirements, the notation seeks to make the workplace more appealing to crew members, reduce fatigue, and contribute to the overall safety and well-being of maritime operations.

HSN-KIKAI KOGYO CO., LTD. developed a hydroponic vegetable grower specifically built to function effectively in inclined environments on ships.

This innovation allows crew members on ROYAL LAUREL to grow fresh veggies, which improves their daily nutrition and quality of life at sea.

ClassNK’s “ELW (HP)” notation aims to promote innovative methods that enhance the onboard experience. The notation is applied to a ship’s class certificate to show that it has been equipped with amenities and technologies that contribute to a better living and working environment.

A ClassNK representative said the move is part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to promote the maritime industry’s initiatives to make ships more appealing workplaces.

ClassNK thinks that by endorsing such improvements, it will contribute to the resolution of long-standing crew well-being and safety issues.

In the future, ClassNK plans to continue supporting and encouraging projects aimed at improving maritime conditions through its “Excellent Living and Working Environment” standards.

Reference: ClassNK