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.

Most Popular

Golar progresses FLNG growth plans

Golar LNG said it had signed a final engineering study to confirm EPC price and delivery for a 5 mtpa MKIII FLNG.

Cheniere takes FID on two more Corpus Christi LNG trains

US LNG exporting giant Cheniere has made a positive final investment decision to build two more midscale trains at its Corpus Christi LNG plant in Texas. The company has also issued full notice to proceed to Bechtel.

Mexico Pacific seeks DOE extension

Mexico Pacific, the developer of the planned 15 mtpa Saguaro Energia LNG export project, is seeking a seven-year extension of its export deadline from the US Department of Energy.

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.

Energy Transfer, Kyushu Electric ink long-term Lake Charles LNG deal

Energy Transfer, the developer of the proposed Lake Charles LNG export facility in Louisiana, has signed a long-term supply deal with Japan's Kyushu Electric Power.

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.