IINO Lines orders ‘world’s first’ Ice Class IB VLGC for charter with Borealis

Japanese shipping company IINO Lines has ordered a dual-fuel very large gas carrier (VLGC) for charter with Austria-based provider of advanced and sustainable polyolefin solutions Borealis.

With a cargo tank capacity of 93,000 cbm, the vessel will transport raw materials to Borealis’ petrochemical plant in Porvoo, Finland. It is expected to contribute to the stable operations of the plant as the world’s only ice-strengthened VLGC of Ice Class IB, according to Borealis.

The Ice Class IB certification is awarded to vessels capable of navigating in light ice conditions with the support of icebreakers, adhering to the Finnish-Swedish Ice Class rules.

These rules encompass the specific requirements for vessels navigating the Baltic Sea during the winter season.

Thanks to its dual-fuel engine, the new vessel can be powered by both liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and low sulfur fuels. The vessel will be equipped with a shaft generator motor (SGM) system for electrical power generation from LPG dual fuel.

The company expects that this will result in a significant reduction in both fuel consumption and common air pollutants from ships, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), and particulate matter.

Furthermore, the implementation of an onshore power supply system will enable the vessel to be powered by shore-side renewable electricity while anchored in port, to further reduce its carbon footprint.

“Maximizing opportunities to enhance our independence and flexibility in transporting cost-competitive light feedstock from overseas to our European base chemicals operations is paramount for our competitiveness to provide sustainable base chemicals and polyolefins solutions. The newly signed charter affords us not only competitive flexibility but also aids in reducing the environmental footprint of our transportation operations. This aligns with our strategic Energy & Climate ambitions, demonstrating our commitment to reinventing essentials for sustainable living,” said Thomas Van De Velde, Borealis Senior Vice President, Base Chemicals and Energy.

“We IINO Lines, are profoundly proud of this second long-term charter to provide safe and flexible transportation in response to Borealis’ new strategy of raw material procurement. Our various experience and know-how in operating LPG Carrier since 1960 will not only enable more effective and environmentally sustainable transportation, but also stable plant operation regardless season. We are looking forward to seeing her crossing ice sea to safely deliver LPG to Porvoo,” stated Ryuichi Osonoe, IINO Lines Senior Managing Executive Officer, Management of Gas Carrier.

This Ice Class IB vessel will be delivered in the first quarter of 2027.

Last year, Borealis and IINO Lines signed a charter contract for a dual-fuel liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vessel, Oceanus Aurora. Thanks to its dual-fuel engine, Oceanus Aurora can be powered by either liquefied petroleum gas or low-sulfur fuels.

The vessel’s environmental footprint is further improved thanks to the installation of an innovative wind propulsion system in the form of two Norsepower’s rotor sails.