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On July 29, a naming ceremony was held for the Energia Viking, a newly built dual-fuel very large crude carrier (VLCC) operated by Singapore-based MOL Energia Pte. Ltd., a group company of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL). The vessel will sail under charter to Norwegian energy major Equinor ASA.
Built at the Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (DACKS) shipyard in China, the Energia Viking represents a key step in MOL’s push to reduce emissions in long-haul shipping. This VLCC is the first of its kind within the MOL fleet to be powered by LNG, featuring two fuel tanks with a total capacity of 10,200 cubic meters—designed to support extended voyages and optimize route flexibility.
The ceremony brought together senior executives from both MOL and Equinor. Anne Mai Hatlem, Senior Vice President at Equinor, joined Takeshi Hashimoto, President & CEO of MOL, and Miki Ogura, Managing Director of MOL Energia, to christen the vessel. The event drew a sizable audience, highlighting industry interest in dual-fuel technologies for large-scale oil transport.
MOL says the vessel goes beyond just technical innovation. The Energia Viking includes a dedicated relaxation space called “IKOI,” the first of its kind on a VLCC in the company’s fleet. This “third place,” distinct from work and living spaces, is aimed at improving life at sea for crew members—an often overlooked aspect of shipping operations.
In line with its Environmental Vision 2.2, MOL is targeting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. LNG fuel, while not emission-free, can reduce GHG output by 25%–30% compared to conventional fuel oil. MOL plans to deploy 90 LNG- or methanol-fueled ships by 2030, with around 40 already under development. The Energia Viking is the first of six LNG-powered VLCCs set for delivery starting late 2025. Three of these—including this one—are contracted to Equinor, cementing a strategic collaboration focused on low-emission shipping.
The ship specs are notable: with a deadweight of around 309,000 tons, a length of 339.5 meters, and a beam of 60 meters, the Energia Viking is built for scale and sustainability. The dual LNG tanks provide redundancy and ensure operational flexibility, making the vessel well-suited for the demanding schedules of international oil transport.
As global demand rises for cleaner transport options, this collaboration between MOL and Equinor could set a precedent. While LNG isn’t a silver bullet, its use marks a clear shift toward transitional fuels in the path to full decarbonization. Real progress, though, lies not just in what powers a ship—but in how companies design for the people who sail them.
