Japan’s first hydrogen and biofuel hybrid passenger ship enters service

Japanese shipping major Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has revealed that the hydrogen and biofuel hybrid passenger ship Hanaria started service in Kitakyushu.

The ship was built at the Hongawara Ship Yard for MOL’s company MOTENA-Sea, backed by investments from MOL Techno-Trade.

According to MOL, this is the first passenger ship in Japan that can select propulsion energy from hydrogen fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, and biodiesel fuel.

With these innovations onboard, the company expects to achieve a greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction rate of 53%-100% compared to conventional fossil-fueled vessels of the same class.

The ship’s first-floor passenger cabin features a large 98-inch monitor and projector in the front, opening up a wide range of applications beyond transportation, such as events, environmental education, and venues for international conferences.

MOL plans to pursue the introduction of next-generation fuel vessels, including this project, and contribute to the realization of a low-carbon, decarbonized society through concerted group-wide efforts.

Recently, the shipping heavyweight teamed up with Australian energy major Woodside and South Korea’s HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and Hyundai Glovis to study the development of shipping solutions for bulk marine transportation of liquid hydrogen.

Under the agreement, MOL would be responsible for providing ship operational input into the vessel design, including logistics, propulsion, storage, and cargo handling.