Asia/Pacific News
Japanese Yard Wins Eco-Ferry Order
Shipbuilder Japan Marine United (JMU) has won its latest order for fuel-efficient tonnage, having signed a contract for two "eco-ferries" from MOL Ferry, Tradewinds reports.
The 4,000-gt, 200-metre-long vessels are set for delivery in 2017 and will operate on the Oarai to Tomakomai route.
Features aimed at reducing bunker consumption include a hybrid propulsion system featuring twin electric drives, a contra-rotating propeller system, and an optimised hull design.
In recent years the Japanese shipbuilding industry has taken on the building of ECO ships as a way of fighting lower-cost competition from Chinese and South Korean ship builders.
Earlier this year JMU also won an order for an eco-friendly liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier for Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd (MOL), and delivered a number of fuel saving vessels including a 182,000 deadweight tonne Capesize bulker for Athens-based dry bulk specialist Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (Star Bulk),
Japan's Eco Marine Power, meanwhile, is moving towards a commercial reality for wind and solar powered vessels.
