Japanese consortium unveils eco-friendly methanol-powered VLCC design

A consortium established by Japanese maritime majors NYK, Idemitsu Tanker, IINO Lines, and Nihon Shipyard has presented a design concept for Japan’s first Malacca Max type very large crude carrier (VLCC) that can run on methanol as an alternative fuel.

To remind, the consortium was formed in January this year as part of the joint research and development project to design and build an eco-friendly VLCC, targeting up to 40% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The concept design of the VLCC produced by the consortium includes fitting a shaft generator and the latest dual-fuel main engine that can use methanol and heavy oil as fuel. The design also includes an optional wind propulsion system.

As a result, the vessel can achieve a CO2 reduction of more than 40% compared to the reference line against the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) regulation, clearing Phase 3 (reduction of more than 30% compared to the reference line), which will apply from 2025, the developers stated.

The 309,400 dwt vessel will have an overall 339.5-meter length, 60-meter breadth, and 28.6-meter depth.

Moving forward, the four companies will conduct further studies based on the design concept in order to achieve the international shipping goal of becoming carbon neutrality by 2050.

Furthermore, the companies said they will aim for strategically phased shipbuilding orders for this next-generation eco-friendly VLCC and allocate vessels as soon as possible to crude oil transport for Japanese refineries.