Mitsui OSK Lines has reached agreement with two Japanese energy companies to supply fuel for a pair of LNG-powered ferry newbuildings due for delivery in 2025.
Four trucks will simultaneously supply LNG fuel to the vessels through a skid to speed up the bunkering.
MOL said the process would “allow the ferries to take on sufficient fuel even during their limited time in berth”.
The ferries will be operated by subsidiary MOL Ferry on the fixed route between Oarai in Ibaraki prefecture on the eastern Japanese mainland and Tomakomai on the northern island of Hokkaido.
JAPEX will supply the LNG at Oarai and Hokkaido Gas will supply the fuel at Tomakomai.
The two 15,600-gt ferries are under construction at Naikai Shipbuilding’s Innoshima works.
As well as using LNG fuel, the vessels have energy-saving features such as an aerodynamic hull form and Naikai Shipbuilding’s spray tearing plate, which reduces wave and swell resistance.
Modal shift
MOL said the newbuildings will also contribute to a modal shift by encouraging road traffic to use the sea route.
Overall, the company is expecting a 35% reduction in emissions compared with the current vessels operating on the route.
In a separate project, MOL will take delivery of its first two LNG-powered ferries this year. The 17,300-gt Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki will be delivered from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Shimonoseki shipyard.
