NIPPON Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line) has announced it has concluded a contract for the construction and charter of a very large crude oil carrier (VLCC) equipped with a main engine that can use methanol as a next-generation fuel.
The vessel, which will feature a large shaft generator, will be constructed by Nippon Shipyard Co. and engaged in a long-term charter for Japanese ship manager Idemitsu Tanker Co.
This vessel will be a Malacca max next-generation environment-friendly VLCC that NYK has been designing with Idemitsu Tanker, IINO Kaiun Kaisha, and Nippon Shipyard.
Methanol is currently being explored in maritime as an alternative fuel to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It can reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by approximately 15% compared to when heavy oil is used.
A further reduction in CO2 emissions is expected when using green methanol, such as bio-methanol, which is produced using biomass as a raw material, or synthetic methanol (e-methanol), which is produced using hydrogen derived from renewable energy and captured CO2.
In 2023, NYK announced its aim of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. To achieve this goal, it intends to improve the energy efficiency of its ships and significantly reduce GHG emissions through the use of alternative fuels.
“In addition to being the first VLCC in our fleet to be equipped with a state-of-the-art dual-fuel main engine that can use methanol, this vessel will also be equipped with a large shaft generator for power generation” the company said in a statement.
“With its excellent energy efficiency and decarbonisation advancement, the ship will play a leading role in the future decarbonisation of crude-oil transport.”
