MOL takes delivery of new LNG-powered PCTC Turquoise Ace

Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has taken delivery of its new pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Turquoise Ace.

As informed, the vessel was delivered by Imabari’s Tadotsu Shipyard on July 12, 2024. The 7,000 CEU PCTC features a length of 199.9 meters, a width of 38 meters, and a depth of 22.8 meters.

German engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) provided the vessel with its 6S60ME-C10.5-GI main engine. According to Imabari, the boil-off gas (BOG) will be generated from the LNG fuel tank. The ship will be able to use the generated BOG in its generators and boilers, to make it a more environmentally friendly vessel.

The PCTC will be classed by classification society ClassNK and will sail under the Panama flag.

MOL stated that the use of LNG fuel could reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by about 25-30 percent, sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions by about 98 percent, and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by about 85 percent compared to vessels using conventional fuel oil.

Last year, the Japanese shipowner revealed a new name and new hull color design for its car carriers, which will be primarily fuelled by LNG. The new name, ‘BLUE’ series, embodies the MOL’s corporate mission “From the blue oceans, we sustain people’s lives and ensure a prosperous future”. 

In March this year, MOL took delivery of LNG-powered car carrier Cerulean Ace from compatriot shipbuilder Shin Kurushima Dockyard.

The ship is the first out of eleven new LNG-fueled car carriers from the ‘BLUE series’ to be built in Japan for MOL. The car carrier will transport cars produced by Japan’s car manufacturer Mazda Motor Corporation.