Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) ordered two methanol carriers, which will be fitted with the world's first dual-fuel engines that run on methanol and diesel. The engines were designed by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding.
Both 50,000 dwt tankers will be build in the shipyards of Minaminippon Shipbuilding and will be delivered in March and June 2016, respectively.
Image: maritimepropulsion
After its delivery, each one of the vessels will service long-term shipping contract with Waterfront Shipping, a subsidiary of Methanex Corporation.
By burning methanol with this dual main engine, emissions of CO2 and NOx are significantly reduced, compared with the emissions released in the atmosphere, after a propulsion with an oil-based fuel.
Besides using methanol to drive the main engine, the new vessel will be one of the first to install the ballast water treatment system and energy saving devices fitted in front and behind the propellers to help improve fuel efficiency. In other words, this new vessel will offer very eco-friendly performance.
The decision to install the dual-fuel engine followed a study done by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
As one of the world's largest methanol carrier owners, MOL is expected to expand its methanol transport service. The company has carried forward its initiatives on air pollution prevention, as part of its environmental strategy. MOL continues to be focused in adoption of various technologies that help reduce the environmental burden of its activities.