MI LNG Company Rebrands as MILES to Focus on Low-Carbon Shipping Solutions

MI LNG Company, a joint venture between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Imabari Shipbuilding, is undergoing a name change to Marine-design Initiative for Leading Edge Solution (MILES) effective January 1, 2025. Originally established in 2013 for the design and sales of LNG carriers, the company has expanded its portfolio to include other vessel types beyond LNG carriers. This decision comes as the maritime industry sees an increase in demand for ships fueled by low-carbon fuels like LNG, ammonia, and methanol.

In July 2023, MI LNG Company entered into an agreement with Nihon Shipyard (NSY) to expand its design work to include commercial ships other than LNG carriers. The company has since started operations related to these new vessel types, in addition to its existing operations related to LNG carriers. As initiatives towards decarbonization in the maritime industry accelerate, the demand for ships fueled by alternative fuels is also gaining momentum.

With the name change to MILES, the company will focus on design development of liquefied CO2 carriers (LCO2 carriers) and provide functional design for commercial ships using alternative fuels. MILES will also collaborate with NSY and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding to develop new LCO2 carriers for large-scale international transportation of CO2. Additionally, the company, along with other industry players, has started joint studies to establish standard specifications and designs for LCO2 carriers. This strategic move aims to enable the company to respond more quickly and flexibly to the evolving needs of the shipping and shipbuilding industries, contributing to sustainable growth and development.

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