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Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Receives Orders for Japan’s First Methanol-Fueled RORO Cargo Ships

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has announced a significant milestone in maritime technology. On June 18, 2024, the company secured orders from Toyofuji Shipping Co., Ltd. and Fukuju Shipping Co., Ltd. to construct Japan’s first methanol-fueled roll-on/roll-off (RORO) cargo ships. These innovative vessels are scheduled for completion and handover by the end of fiscal 2027.

The contract signing ceremony marked a historic moment with Mr. Eiji Takeichi, President of Toyofuji Shipping, Mr. Yasushi Okumura, President of Fukuju Shipping, and Mr. Shin Ueda, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, in attendance.

The new RORO vessels will be built at MHI’s Enoura Plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture. They will measure approximately 169.9 meters in length and 30.2 meters in breadth, boasting a gross tonnage of 15,750 and the capacity to carry around 2,300 passenger vehicles.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is leveraging its extensive experience with liquefied gas carriers to support this groundbreaking project. The ships will feature a high-performance dual-fuel engine that can operate on both methanol and heavy fuel oil, reducing CO2 emissions by more than 10% compared to traditional fuel oil-powered vessels. This aligns with global efforts to minimize environmental impact and enhance sustainability in maritime operations.

The design incorporates a windscreen at the bow and a vertical stem to reduce propulsion resistance. Additionally, MHI’s proprietary energy-saving technology, which includes high-efficiency propellers and rudders, will further enhance fuel efficiency. Looking ahead, the potential use of green methanol, a carbon-neutral fuel made from sustainable biomass or captured CO2 and renewable hydrogen, could drive further reductions in lifecycle CO2 emissions.

These methanol-fueled RORO ships are a first for Japan’s coastal shipping industry, although similar vessels are already in service globally. The introduction of these advanced ships will significantly increase vehicle loading capacity and transport efficiency per voyage. This improvement is expected to allow more flexible ship allocation schedules, ultimately providing more rest and holiday time for the crew, thus supporting better working conditions.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is committed to addressing societal challenges such as CO2 reductions in marine transport, labor shortages, and working style reforms. By continuing to innovate and collaborate with business partners, the company aims to deliver vessels that combine exceptional fuel efficiency with outstanding environmental performance, ensuring stable and sustainable navigation for its customers.

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