Asia/Pacific News
MOL to Build Japan's First LNG-Fuelled Tug
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced its decision to build Japan's first LNG-fuelled tugboat.
The MOL-owned newbuild is slated for construction at Kanagawa Dockyard Co., Ltd. (Kanagawa Dockyard), with Yanmar Co., Ltd. (Yanmar) set to supply the vessel's LNG-fuelled engines.
"It will be equipped with high-performance dual fuel engines that allows high-speed operation and superior environmental performance, and will be the first LNG-fuelled tugboat to escort large-scale freighters in Osaka Bay and the Seto Inland Sea," explained MOL.
"The development of this tugboat will also spur the initial development of an LNG fuel supply system for vessels in Osaka Bay."
Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. (Osaka Gas) will supply LNG fuel to the tugboat, which will be operated by Nihon Tug-Boat Co., Ltd. (Nihon Tug-Boat).
The tugboat will be built as part of the Ishin Next - MOL Smart Ship Project, which is intended to reduce the environmental impact of the company's fleet.
"The construction of this tugboat also reflects MOL's proactive stance in promoting LNG fuel through technological development of LNG-fueled vessels and enhancement of safe operation," said MOL.
The vessel is set to be deployed in Osaka Bay in April 2019.
