Imabari completes another MOL-chartered LNG-fueled car carrier

December 12, 2024, by Naida Hakirevic Prevljak

Tadotsu Shipyard, part of Japanese shipbuilding major Imabari Shipbuilding Group, has completed Lapis Ace, a 7,000 CEU car carrier powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The 78,300 GT pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) will be chartered by Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and is owned by compatriot company Shoei Kisen. Completed in late November 2024, it will be deployed on the Japan-Europe route to support the global logistics.

Flying the flag of Panama, the newbuild features a length of 199.9 meters and a beam of 38 meters.

Using environmentally friendly LNG as fuel and equipped with a high-pressure dual-fuel engine, the vessel is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in international shipping and contribute to a sustainable future, according to Shoei Kisen.

Compared to conventional fuel oil-powered vessels, the new vessel can achieve a 25-30% reduction in CO₂ emissions. It also nearly eliminates SOx emissions, a major cause of air pollution, and reduces NOx emissions by 80-90% through the use of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.

The LNG fuel tanks continuously generate boil-off gas, which can be utilized in the generators and boilers, enhancing the vessel’s environmental friendliness.

MOL operates car carriers with names comprising ‘ACE’, meeting the export needs of local automobile manufacturers.

In early 2023, MOL adopted a new series name and a new hull color design for its car carriers fueled by LNG. The shipping company ordered a total of eight 7,000 CEU LNG-powered PCTC units which are being delivered in succession between 2024 and 2025.

In March 2024, MOL took delivery of Cerulean Ace, the first newbuild in the company’s BLUE series. The car carrier will transport cars produced by Japan’s car manufacturer Mazda Motor Corporation.