MOL: new methane tech will significantly cut emissions from LNG-powered ships

Japan’s shipping giant MOL and its partners have received basic design approval for a new methane system which they claim would significantly slash emissions from LNG-powered vessels.

MOL, Hitachi Zoshen, and Yanmar Power Technologies have won approval in principle for their methane oxidation catalyst system from classification society ClassNK, according to a joint statement on Wednesday.

ClassNK confirmed that the proposed system meets the requirements of the IGF Code and other regulations.

The system reduces methane slip by placing a methane oxidation catalyst in an LNG-fueled engine and oxidizing the methane.

This is the first time in the world that a methane oxidation catalyst system has received approval in principle, the partners said.

Backed by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Hitachi Zosen and YPT created the system design while MOL and Namura Shipbuilding would build the actual demonstration vessel and design the system’s installation.

The project aims to further reduce the environmental impact of LNG-fueled engines by achieving a methane slip reduction rate of more than 70 percent over a six-year period from FY2021 to FY2026, the statement said.

This approval marks an “important first step” toward establishing the technology for this system, the statement said.

MOL previously said it plans to have 90 LNG-powered vessels in its fleet by 2030 as it looks to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.

The shipping giant is working on several projects and it recently said that Mitsubishi Shipbuilding had launched Japan’s first LNG-fueled ferry, Sunflower Kurenai.

Most Popular

Venture Global’s CP2 LNG to start mobilization and site preparation

Venture Global LNG's CP2 LNG has received approval from the US FERC to start mobilization and other limited activities for the LNG project in Louisiana.

Atlantic LNG shipping rates continue to decrease

Atlantic LNG freight shipping rates continued to decrease this week, while European prices also dropped compared to last week.

Australia’s Viva Energy gets OK for Geelong LNG import terminal

Australia’s Viva Energy has secured approval from the Victorian government for its proposed FSRU-based LNG import terminal in Geelong, Australia.

More News Like This

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.

ONE plans LNG-powered containership order

Ocean Network Express (ONE), a joint venture of Japan's NYK, MOL, and K Line is eyeing an order for LNG dual-fuel container vessels, according to shipbuilding sources.

MOL’s LNG fleet continues to expand

MOL's large fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers expanded to 107 vessels as of the end of March this year.