MOL plans to order the vessels from Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.  in December. Ferry Sunflower will charter the ferries after delivery and launch them on its Osaka-Beppu route from the end of 2022 through the first half of 2023, as replacements for vessels currently in service.

The ferries will be equipped with high-performance dual fuel engines and will provide passengers with comfortable accommodations and reliable schedules. They will be quieter than current vessels, ensuring smoother, more relaxing travel. The use of LNG fuel will achieve environmental performance, reducing CO2 emissions by 20% compared to current vessels, and virtually eliminating SOx emissions.

MOL is developing the technology for LNG-fueled vessels as part of its plans to promote the wider use of LNG fuel.

The project has been adopted for the FY2019 energy conservation rating system for coastal ships, a demonstration test program aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of coastal ships backed by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Maritime Business World