MOL Launches Japan’s First Methanol-Fueled Coastal Tanker, Daiichi Meta Maru

Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL), through its group company MOL Coastal Shipping, has launched and named Japan’s first methanol-fueled coastal tanker, the Daiichi Meta Maru.

The ceremony held on July 3, 2024, at Kanasashi Heavy Industries of the Murakami Hide Shipbuilding Group marks a significant milestone in the country’s maritime industry.

The new vessel jointly owned by MOL Coastal Shipping, Niihama Kaiun Kabushiki Kaisha and Tabuchi Kaiun, will transport methanol to Mitsubishi Corporation.

The Daiichi Meta Maru, measuring 65.5 meters long, is Japan’s first domestic coastal vessel to use environmentally friendly methanol fuel.

The vessel is outfitted with cutting-edge energy-saving technology, operational support systems, and automated cargo handling systems, placing it at the forefront of maritime technology.

The Daiichi Meta Maru, set to be delivered in December, promises significant environmental benefits by reducing carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions when compared to conventional heavy fuel oil.

Methanol fuel, which can reduce SOx emissions by up to 99%, particular matter (PM) emissions by up to 95%, NOx emissions by up to 80%, and CO2 emissions by up to 15%, is already in use at numerous significant ports worldwide.

This coastal tanker resulted from strategic cooperation between six Japanese corporations, which first declared their intention to build the ship in March 2023.

The project has also received support from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) as part of the Utilizing AI/IOT etc and More Efficient Transport Promotion Project Grant Subsidy (Coastal Ship Innovative Operational Efficiency Demonstration Projects).

The MOL Group remains committed to reducing the environmental impact of marine transport and will continue to collaborate with joint shipowners to achieve this goal.

Methanol, a fuel used in oceangoing vessels, including five MOL Group-operated ships, is expected to expand significantly over the coming years.

The adoption of methanol derived from non-fossil energy sources such as bio-methanol and e-methanol could further enhance its environmental benefits.

Reference: MoL

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