Shipping major Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) and Japan Marine United (JMU) have signed a contract for a next-generation crude oil tanker due for delivery this month that embeds a validated method for estimating and guaranteeing propulsion performance in real ocean conditions. The deal incorporates an actual sea performance guarantee clause – a step beyond conventional performance guarantees that are typically based on model tests or simulations. This innovative approach aims to ensure the vessel achieves its designed fuel efficiency in actual operational environments, leading to significant reductions in fuel consumption and associated emissions.