MOL signs supply agreements for two new LNG-fuelled ferries

Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has inked agreements with Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. (JAPEX) and Hokkaido Gas to supply LNG to its two newbuilding ferries in Oarai and Tomakomai ports in Japan.

PHOTO: LNG stem delivered to Ferry Sunflower’s LNG-powered ferry Sunflower Kurenai via TTS transfer. MOL

LNG bunkering service for the two vessels will commence in 2025 when they are scheduled to enter service.

MOL and its group company MOL Ferry announced the construction of two LNG-powered ferries in February last year.

JAPEX will supply LNG to the ferries in the Port of Oarai, and Hokkaido Gas will do it in the Port of Tomakomai via a truck-to-ship (TTS) transfer.

Bunker delivery will be done using a skid which enables vessels to receive fuel from multiple trucks simultaneously, MOL says.

MOL claims that LNG as a marine fuel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by around 25% compared to conventional fuels and considers it a “viable measure” to decarbonise shipping.

Besides, MOL is working to launch two more LNG-fuelled ferries, “Sunflower Kurenai" and "Sunflower Murasaki”, which are scheduled to enter service this year.

Last month, LNG was delivered for the first time to the Sunflower Kurenai at the Port of Beppu, Japan.

By Shilpa Sharma

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