MITSUI O.S.K. Lines has launched its second LNG-fuelled ferry.
The new Sunflower Murasaki is owned by MOL and operated by group’s coastal ro-pax company Ferry Sunflower.
MOL plans to merge Ferry Sunflower with MOL Ferry in October this year to create what it claims will be the largest ferry and coastal ro-ro company in Japan.
Sunflower Murasaki entered service on 14 April and will sail on the company’s Osaka-Beppu route in Japan, replacing the existing vessel, Sunflower Cobalt.
It is a sister ship to the Sunflower Kurenai, which began operation in January this year.
MOL said the new ship has greater cargo capacity than the previous ferry and more room for trucks.
“The vessel adopts the latest environmentally friendly specifications including a high-performance dual-fuel engine, which can run on both LNG and heavy fuel oil,” MOL said.
“The use of LNG fuel is expected to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by about 25%, and sulfur oxide by virtually 100%.”
After MOL launches its new ferry company on 1 October, it plans to add two more LNG-fuelled ferries in 2025 to replace the vessels currently operating on the Oarai to Tomakomai route.
MOL said the group has set a target to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 and is promoting the wider adoption of LNG fuel through development and advancement of an LNG fuel supply system in Japan and overseas.
“The group will accelerate its initiatives to reduce total GHG emissions by further expanding the introduction of LNG-fuelled vessels and contribute to the realisation of a low-carbon, decarbonised society through the concerted efforts of the entire group,” it said.
