MOL names new LNG-fueled car carrier in Japan

Japanese shipping major Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has held a naming ceremony for the new LNG-fueled car carrier Celeste Ace at the dockyard of compatriot shipbuilder Shin Kurushima Dockyard in Ehime, Japan.

According to MOL, this is the sixth LNG-fueled car carrier under the company’s operation out of a total of 14 whose deliveries have already been fixed.

“LNG can reduce 25% to 30% of CO2 emissions compared to conventional fuel oil, and we are planning to deliver 90 of LNG/Methanol-fueled vessels by 2030,” MOL said.

To note, Makoto Uchida, CEO of Nissan Motor Corporation was present at the ceremony.

MOL commented: “We have been working closely with Nissan for almost 60 years. Taking this opportunity, we would like to show our deep appreciation, and we wish to keep going with Nissan through ‘CELESTE ACE.'”

It is worth mentioning that in 2024, MOL held a naming and delivery ceremony for the LNG-powered car carrier Cerulean Ace. This vessel holds Additional Fire-Fighting Measures for Vehicle Carrier (AFVC) certification from the classification society ClassNK for its voluntary measures to prevent onboard fires during the transport of electric vehicles (EVs).

MOL also took the delivery of its new LNG-powered pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) Turquoise Ace.

By using LNG as a fuel to power the car carriers, MOL expects to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.