Japan’s shipping giant MOL has named an LNG dual-fuel very large crude carrier which will serve Norway’s Equinor under a charter deal.
China’s Dalian Cosco KHI Ship Engineering (Dacks), jointly operated by KHI and Cosco Shipping, hosted a naming ceremony for Energia Viking on July 29.
MOL says this is the first LNG dual-fuel VLCC delivered by the group and sailing under a charter contract with Equinor.
The 309,000-dwt vessel is 339.5 meters long and 60 meters wide.
Energia Viking is equipped with an LNG fuel tank with a capacity exceeding 10,000 cbm, enabling long-distance transportation and allowing for flexible transport plans, according to MOL.
In addition, with consideration for crew comfort, MOL has introduced a third place onboard called “IKOI”, which serves as a relaxing space distinct from both living places and working areas.
This is the first time that “IKOI” has been introduced on a VLCC operated by MOL.
MOL expects to take delivery of the newbuild at the end of 2025.
As part of its decarbonization drive, MOL aims to deploy 90 LNG/methanol-fueled vessels by 2030.
About 40 LNG-fueled vessels, including Energia Viking, are being developed, and six VLCCs are scheduled to be delivered one after another starting in 2025.
Three of those VLCCs, including Energia Viking, are slated to operate under a charter agreement with Equinor.