Mitsubishi Shipbuilding in Japan is set to become part of the growing group of shipyards capable of constructing ocean-going methanol-fueled vessels. Despite the increasing popularity of this alternative fuel, with 269 orders scheduled for delivery in the next five years as reported by DNV, only a limited number of shipyards are currently building such vessels.
The company recently secured an order for Japan’s first methanol dual-fuel RoRo car carriers. These two ships are intended for deployment on a Japanese coastal service, specifically designed to meet the evolving trends in the shipping industry. Toyofuji Shipping is also participating in this initiative, ordering two vessels as part of a collaborative project supported by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
These innovative vessels will feature various design enhancements to boost efficiency, such as Mitsubishi’s energy-saving technology system, energy-saving propellers, and high-performance rudders with reduced resistance. Additionally, they will incorporate a high-efficiency dual-fuel main engine and a streamlined bow and vertical stem to minimize propulsion resistance. The larger size of these ships will allow for increased loading capacity, leading to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions per unit and offering benefits such as improved schedule flexibility and crew rest time.
