Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, MOL Coastal Shipping, Tabuchi Kaiun, Niihama Kaiun, Murakami Hide Shipbuilding and the Hanshin Diesel Works have formed a strategic collaboration to develop Japan’s first methanol-fueled domestic tanker.
Having received public funding through the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the collaboration aims to deliver the sustainable vessel by 2024 to reduce environmental impacts.
With methanol having the capability to reduce SOX emissions by up to 99%, particulate matter emissions by up to 95% and NOX emissions by up to 80%, the alternative fuel is gaining traction within the marine industry. It has so far been introduced on four ships operated by the MOL Group. This project, however, marks the first methanol-fueled domestic ship.
Methanol fuel can be produced by using CO2 and hydrogen as raw materials. Moving forward, the alternative fuel could be produced by utilizing the CO2 capture and transport business to synthesize hydrogen. This method uses electricity derived from renewable resources such as offshore wind and wave power. Utilizing methanol and increasing circularity could enable a reduction in net CO2 emissions.
For the project, each of the six partners will utilize their own company technologies and experience to contribute to the decarbonization of the marine sector.