Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) announced that its group company, MOL Coastal Shipping, Ltd., has held a naming and launching ceremony for Japan’s first methanol-fueled coastal tanker, the Daiichi Meta Maru. The event took place on July 3 at the Kanasashi Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., part of the Murakami Hide Shipbuilding Group. This new vessel, jointly owned by MOL Coastal Shipping, Tabuchi Kaiun Co., Ltd., and Niihama Kaiun Kabushiki Kaisha, marks a significant step forward in environmentally friendly maritime transport.
The Daiichi Meta Maru is set to transport methanol cargo for Mitsubishi Corporation. What sets this tanker apart is its use of methanol fuel, an eco-friendly alternative to the conventional heavy fuel oil typically used in maritime shipping. Methanol significantly reduces emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur oxides (SOx), contributing to a lesser environmental impact. Specifically, methanol fuel can cut SOx emissions by up to 99%, particulate matter emissions by up to 95%, NOx emissions by up to 80%, and CO2 emissions by up to 15%.
Equipped with state-of-the-art energy-saving devices and the most advanced operational support and automated cargo handling systems, the Daiichi Meta Maru is a testament to innovative engineering and environmental responsibility. The vessel, with a gross tonnage of about 570 tons, measures approximately 65.50 meters in length and 10.00 meters in breadth, with a draft of around 4.38 meters. It is powered by a Hanshin Diesel Works “LA28M” methanol-fueled marine engine, ensuring it meets both performance and environmental standards.
The significance of this launch extends beyond just one vessel. The MOL Group is committed to reducing the environmental impact of marine transport, and this new tanker is a crucial part of that effort. Methanol as a marine fuel is gaining traction globally, with around 130 major ports capable of supplying and bunkering it. Furthermore, the use of e-methanol and bio-methanol, derived from non-fossil energy sources and renewable energy, offers even greater potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Scheduled for delivery in December, the Daiichi Meta Maru represents a forward-thinking approach in the maritime industry, aligning with global sustainability goals. The MOL Group’s investment in such pioneering technology underscores their commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation in marine transportation. As the shipping industry faces increasing pressure to adopt greener practices, the introduction of methanol-fueled vessels like the Daiichi Meta Maru is a promising development towards a more sustainable future.
