Mitsui OSK Lines(MOL) has announced that its subsidiary MOL Coastal Shipping held the christening and launching ceremony of the first methanol-powered tanker at Kanasashi Heavy Industries, part of the Murakami Hide Shipbuilding Group.
MOL’s first methanol-powered oil tanker
The new vessel, which is jointly owned by MOL Coastal Shipping, Tabuchi Kaiun and Niihama Kaiun Kabushiki Kaisha, has been named Daiichi Meta Maru and will be used to transport methanol for Mitsubishi Corporation.
In addition, the Daiichi Meta Maru is the first Japanese coastal vessel to use methanol as fuel, making it a more environmentally friendly option. This state-of-the-art vessel is equipped with advanced energy saving devices, as well as automated operational assistance and cargo handling systems. Kanasashi Heavy Industries is expected to deliver the vessel in December of this year.
The use of methanol as a fuel allows a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions compared to conventional heavy fuel used in merchant ships.
To achieve these objectives, the MOL Group continues to work closely with its shipping partners to minimize the environmental impact of shipping. The reduction of SOx emissions by up to 99%, particulate matter (PM) by up to 95%, NOx by up to 80% and CO2 by up to 15% compared to heavy oil.
Lastly, non-fossil methanol, such as e-methanol and e-methanol and biomethanol offers a greater reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. These fuels are derived from renewable energy sources, which enhances their use in ocean-going vessels, including five operated by the MOL Group. The use of methanol in the maritime sector is expected to grow in the coming years, although this is the first time it has been used on a coastal vessel.
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Source and photo: MOL
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