Six companies have formed a strategic cooperation to build a domestic tanker that runs on methanol in order to reduce carbon emissions. The new tanker is being built by Mitsui OSK Lines, MOL Coastal Shipping, Tabuchi Kai, Niihama Kaiu, Murakami Hide Shipbuilding, and The Hanshin Diesel Work, who claim it is the first of its sort in Japan.
The vessel development project will be funded by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, with ship delivery planned in 2024. (MLIT). Methanol will be able to reduce SO2 emissions by about 99 percent, particulate matter emissions by up to 95 percent, and CO2 emissions by up to 15 percent as compared to vessels using conventional fuel. Ocean-going vessels, including four MOL Group-run ships, are widely using methanol while the new vessel will be the first domestic ship to be powered by methanol. Mitsui owns a methanol-dual-fuelled methanol ship and will contribute operational knowledge to the project. Tabuchi Kai will provide the vessel’s manning and ship management services. Murakami Hide, which specialises in the construction of chemical tankers, will provide services in accordance with the ship’s specifications.
