Asia/Pacific News
MOL Makes "World First" Order for Methanol Powered Carriers
Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd (MOL) has made an order for methanol-powered carriers as part of its overall environmental strategy, the company announced Wednesday.
According to reports, three carriers will be built by Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
The vessels are expected to be delivered in 2016 and will be chartered to Waterfront Shipping Company Limited under a long-term contract.
The engine was designed by MAN Diesel & Turbo.
MOL said that the engine technology, built and previously tested by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., is the "world's first methanol burned dual-fueled low-speed diesel main engine."
In addition to an engine that is expected to generate substantially less sulfur and nitrogen emissions, a ballast water treatment system will also be installed.
Fuel efficiency is also expected to be optimized using "energy saving devices" fitted in front and behind the propellers, likely to be the firm's Propeller Boss Cap Fins (PBCF).
"As one of the world's largest methanol carrier owners, MOL will expand its methanol transport service by meeting a broad range of customer needs with use of the know-how and experience it has accumulated," MOL said.
"MOL has carried forward its initiatives on air pollution prevention, and continues to take a proactive stance in adoption of various technologies that help reduce the environmental burden of its activities."
It was reported earlier this year that MAN Diesel & Turbo already had seven orders for its methanol engines, with a MOL vessel being the first.
