Japan’s shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has taken delivery of a newbuilding LPG dual-fuel very large gas carrier (VLGC) from Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in South Korea.
While disclosing an advancement in its environmentally friendly fleet under the ‘BLUE’ series, MOL revealed the delivery of the VLGC Energia Grandeur off Mokpo Port in South Korea. The vessel, ordered by its group company, MOL Energia, will sail under a time charter contract for CSSA Chartering and Shipping Services (CSSA), a subsidiary of TotalEnergies.
The ship is described as a dual fuel vessel that can run on both LPG and heavy oil, with operating on LPG said to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 20%, and SOx, PM, and other pollutants by about 90%, compared with heavy oil. The vessel is also designed not only to transport LPG but to carry ammonia as well.
The Japanese giant underlined: “Ammonia, which emits no carbon dioxide during combustion, is expected to see significant growth in demand as a next generation clean energy source.
“In addition, the new vessel is equipped with a shaft generator to enhance operational efficiency, adopting environmentally conscious specifications that enable further greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions compared with conventional LPG dual fuel VLGCs.”
MOL claims that a transition linked loan is utilized for the finance of the Energia Grandeur LPG carrier. The firm is moving ahead with the development of a fleet powered primarily by clean, low impact alternative fuels.
As part of this environmentally friendly fleet, the vessels are perceived to feature a new hull design that blends the corporate color ‘BLUE,’ symbolizing the ocean, with ‘Turquoise,’ representing the group’s environmental initiatives.
The design is deemed to visually express MOL’s mission: “From the blue oceans, we sustain people’s lives and ensure a prosperous future,” reflecting the group’s strong commitment to realizing a sustainable society.
This vessel builds on TotalEnergies’ relationship with the Japanese firm across multiple spheres, including marine fuel trading and long-term charter agreements for LNG carriers and LNG bunkering vessels.
MOL has won multiple new jobs, including two charters with Northern Lights for carbon dioxide (CO2) vessels.