MOL joins forces with Japex and Hokkaido Gas to supply two LNG-powered ferries

Japan’s shipping giant MOL is teaming up with Japan Petroleum Exploration (Japex) and Hokkaido Gas to supply liquefied natural gas to two newbuilding LNG-fueled ferries.

In that regard, MOL signed basic agreements with Japex and Hokkaido Gas for supply of LNG fuel in each port on the Oarai-Tomakomai route operated by MOL’s unit MOL Ferry.

According to a statement by MOL, the new ferries should start receiving LNG fuel in 2025.

Japex will supply LNG fuel to the ferries at the Port of Oarai in Ibaraki Prefecture, and Hokkaido Gas will supply it at the Port of Tomakomai in Hokkaido respectively through the truck-to-ship method.

The LNG supply system uses a skid that connects the vessel to four tanker trucks simultaneously.

MOL noted that this speeds up the bunkering process, allowing the ferries to take on sufficient fuel even during their limited time in berth.

The firm did not reveal any additional details regarding the deals.

MOL placed an order at compatriot shipbuilder Naikai Zosen for these two additional LNG ferries in February this year, boosting the total to four ferries.

In December, MOL bunkered Japan’s first LNG-fueled ferry, Sunflower Kurenai, to prepare it for trial operation ahead of the launch of the vessel’s commercial service in January.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, built both Sunflower Kurenai and its sister vessel Sunflower Murasaki.

MOL’s firm Ferry Sunflower will use these vessels on its Osaka-Beppu route.

Most Popular

Excelerate buys GasLog LNG carrier

US FSRU player Excelerate Energy has purchased a 2007-built steam liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier from GasLog Partners, a part of Greek LNG shipping firm GasLog, according to brokers.

NextDecade, Bechtel agree $9 billion EPC deals for two Rio Grande LNG trains

US LNG firm NextDecade and compatriot Bechtel have finalized EPC contracts worth $9.09 billion for the construction of the fourth and fifth trains and related infrastructure at the Rio Grande LNG facility in Texas.

Venture Global gets FERC OK to boost Calcasieu Pass LNG capacity

US LNG exporter Venture Global LNG has received approval from the US FERC to increase the peak liquefaction capacity of its Calcasieu Pass LNG terminal in Louisiana.

More News Like This

KARMOL’s FSRU named in Singapore

KARMOL, a joint venture of Turkiye's Karpowership and Japan's MOL, has named its latest floating storage and regasification unit at Seatrium's yard in Singapore.

MOL’s LNG carrier to feature SOFC tech

Japan's MOL and South Korea's Samsung Heavy Industries have received approval from classification society LR for the design of a 174,000-cbm LNG carrier integrating solid oxide fuel fell (SOFC) technology.

MOL says it will consider both Chinese and Korean yards for new LNG carrier orders

Japan's MOL said it will consider both Chinese and South Korean yards for new orders of liquefied natural gas carriers. This follows recent media reports suggesting that MOL intends to suspend new LNG carrier orders to Chinese shipyards.

MOL orders LNG-fueled VLCC for charter to Idemitsu Tanker

Japan's shipping giant MOL has ordered a new LNG-fueled very large crude carrier (VLCC) to sail under a long-term time charter contract with compatriot Idemitsu Tanker.