Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and its group company MOL Ferry have announced orders for construction of two new LNG-fuelled ferries, to be built by Naikai Zosen Corporation for delivery in 2025.
The new vessels will replace two ferries that MOL Ferry currently operates on the Oarai-Tomakomai route. The MOL Group is currently building Japan’s first LNG-fuelled ferries, to be named Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki, entering service in 2023, and with the addition of these two new vessels to be ordered this time, the MOL Group believes it will lead the industry in terms of environmental responsibility.
The new ferries will reduce CO2 emissions by about 35% in comparison with ferries currently in service. Compared to conventional marine fuel oil, the use of LNG is expected to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by about 25%, sulphur oxide (SOx) by virtually 100%, and nitrogen oxide (NOx) by about 85%, allowing for a significant reduction of vessels’ environmental impact.
The new ferries adopt the Ishin ship design, which features a streamlined shape with an aerodynamically rounded bow and can use diagonal headwinds to help propel the vessel. These ferries will be also equipped with high-performance, high-efficiency engines. In addition, new technologies such as an energy-saving device known as the ‘Spray Tearing Plate’, developed by Naikai Zosen, have been incorporated to further reduce CO2 emissions.
The MOL Group has set itself a target to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050, under which it is promoting the wider adoption of LNG fuel through development and advancement of an LNG fuel supply system in Japan and overseas. It also plans to launch about 90 LNG-fuelled vessels by 2030 as an initiative to introduce clean alternative fuels.
