Japan's First Methanol-Fueled RORO Ships Underdevelopment 

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. has received orders for Japan’s first methanol-fueled roll-on/roll-off (RORO) cargo ships.

These groundbreaking ships will be built at the Enoura Plant of MHI’s Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works, with completion expected by the end of fiscal 2027.

Measuring approximately 169.9 meters in length and 30.2 meters in breadth, these ships boast a 15,750 gross tonnage and can carry around 2,300 passenger vehicles.

Equipped with a windscreen at the bow & a vertical stem, these ships reduce propulsion resistance. High-efficiency propellers and high-performance rudders further improve fuel efficiency.

The main engine can use both methanol and heavy fuel oil, reducing CO2 emissions by over 10%. The future use of green methanol could further decrease environmental impact.

While methanol-fueled RORO ships are used globally, this is the first time they will be used for coastal service in Japan.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding aims to meet the growing needs of CO2 reduction, labor shortages, and working style reforms by building environmentally efficient ferries and RORO vessels.