Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has officially joined the e-NG Coalition, an international alliance focused on the development and adoption of e-methane, a synthetic fuel produced from CO₂ and hydrogen. This move, effective March 1, 2025, brings the total number of participating companies in the coalition to 20, underscoring a growing commitment to decarbonizing energy and transportation industries.
Strengthening the e-Methane Supply Chain
By joining the e-NG Coalition, MOL aims to contribute to the establishment of a stable global supply chain for e-methane, a fuel that offers a practical pathway to reducing emissions in the maritime sector. Unlike other alternative fuels that require extensive new infrastructure, e-methane can be utilized in existing LNG-fueled vessels, making it an attractive option for shipowners looking to transition to lower-carbon operations.
The coalition’s mission aligns with MOL’s long-term sustainability strategies, including its BLUE ACTION 2035 management plan and the MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2, which targets net-zero emissions by 2050. Through its decades of expertise in LNG transport and liquefied CO₂ shipping, MOL is positioning itself as a key player in the synthetic fuel market.
A Collaborative Push Toward Carbon Neutrality
The e-NG Coalition, founded in Brussels, Belgium, on October 20, 2024, serves as a hub for industry leaders working to expand e-methane applications. Its activities range from policy advocacy and stakeholder collaboration to technical research and public awareness campaigns. The coalition also seeks to create assessment criteria and environmental value systems to ensure that e-methane adoption aligns with global sustainability goals.
In a broader context, the coalition’s work supports ongoing global decarbonization efforts by integrating e-methane into existing supply chains while reinforcing policy frameworks that encourage investment in next-generation fuels.
A Realistic Alternative for Maritime Decarbonization
E-methane, also known as e-NG (electric natural gas), has been gaining traction as a carbon-neutral alternative due to its compatibility with the current LNG infrastructure. With many shipping companies investing heavily in LNG-fueled vessels, e-methane provides an immediate and scalable solution to reducing emissions without requiring a complete overhaul of fuel supply chains.
The maritime industry continues to explore various fuel alternatives, including green ammonia, hydrogen, and biofuels, but e-methane’s ability to seamlessly integrate into existing LNG-powered fleets makes it one of the more feasible solutions available today.
As the shipping industry faces intensifying pressure to curb emissions, initiatives like the e-NG Coalition offer a collaborative approach to driving sustainable fuel adoption. With MOL on board, the coalition gains a major industry player with extensive knowledge in gas transport and supply chain development—key components in realizing a global e-methane economy.
