MOL inks supply deal for Japan’s first LNG-powered ferries

Japanese shipping giant MOL said it has signed a basic deal with compatriot Kyushu Electric Power for the supply of liquefied natural gas to its two LNG-powered ferries under construction.

MOL ordered the two LNG ferries, Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki, at Mitsubishi Shipbuilding back in 2019. MOL’s firm Ferry Sunflower will use both these vessels, claimed to be Japan’s first LNG-powered ferries, on its Osaka-Beppu route.

According to MOL, LNG fuel supply would start around the end of 2022 upon the delivery of the ferries.

Moreover, the duo would get around 50 tons of LNG per day via truck-to-ship while docked in Beppu Port in Oita Prefecture. The truck will load at a facility owned by Kyuden’s firm Oita LNG.

To speed up the fuel supply process, the partners would connect pipes called “skid” to four tank trucks, allowing them to fuel the vessels simultaneously, MOL said.

In addtion, Niyac Corporation will transport and supply LNG to the ferries and Oita Gas will oversee safety during LNG bunkering, it said.

Meanwhile, Kyuden will sell LNG fuel to Ferry Sunflower through MOL Group company MOL Techno-Trade.

“This system will link a series of well-prepared measures from loading to transport and supply and achieve a safe and reliable supply of LNG fuel,” MOL said.

- Advertisements -

Most Popular

DNV: eight LNG-powered vessels ordered in September

Classification society DNV has added eight LNG-powered ships to its Alternative Fuels Insight platform in September, 13 ships less...

MET opens Singapore office as part of LNG expansion plans

Switzerland-based energy trader MET Group has set up an office in Singapore as it works to expand its liquefied...

PetroVietnam Gas says to launch Thi Vai LNG import terminal in October

PetroVietnam Gas, a unit of state-owned PetroVietnam, said it will officially launch its Thi Vai LNG import terminal, the...

More News Like This

Cosco Shipping to buy stake in MOL’s LNG carrier trio

China's Cosco Shipping Energy Transportation has agreed to buy stakes in MOL's three 174,000-cbm LNG carriers being built by...

Japan’s MOL orders more LNG-powered car carriers

Japan’s shipping giant MOL has ordered two more LNG-powered car carriers at compatriot Nihon Shipyard. A spokesperson for MOL confirmed...

Fairfield Chemical’s LNG-powered tanker launched in Japan

Japan's Fukuoka Shipbuilding has launched Fairfield Chemical’s second in the series of four LNG dual-fuel stainless steel chemical tankers. Connecticut-based...

MOL, Shell join forces to work on alternative maritime fuel solutions

Japan's shipping firm MOL and a unit of LNG giant Shell are joining forces to work on alternative maritime...