TOKYO—Today marked a significant milestone in maritime history as Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and its subsidiary MOL Sunflower Ltd. celebrated the naming and launching ceremony for the Sunflower Kamuy, the first of two LNG-fueled ferries, at Innoshima Shipyard on April 11.
The ceremony, graced by Tomoyasu Marutani, Chairman of Secoma Company Limited, saw the vessel christened as Sunflower Kamuy, paying homage to the Ainu, the indigenous people of northern Japan. This naming reflects the vessel’s deep connection to tradition and the future, symbolizing its role in protecting the ocean’s richness and the global environment.
Scheduled for delivery in December 2024, the Sunflower Kamuy is set to commence service on the late-night Oarai-Tomakomai route operated by MOL Sunflower in early 2025. Its sister vessel is expected to join the fleet later in the same year, enhancing MOL Group’s operations with a total of four LNG-fueled ferries on east-west routes in Japan by 2025.
Designed with a vision to safeguard the earth and seas while embracing tradition and innovation, the Sunflower Kamuy features a hull design inspired by the serene hues of the sea and sky. With a focus on environmental sustainability, the vessel aims to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 35% compared to existing vessels on the Hokkaido route through the adoption of advanced technologies alongside LNG fuel
Moreover, in alignment with Japan’s “Modal Shift” initiative and efforts to address the logistics challenges of 2024, the MOL Group has expanded truck loading space and enhanced accommodations for truck drivers, ensuring a more efficient and comfortable journey.
Driven by its commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the MOL Group continues to pursue clean alternative fuels as outlined in the “MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2.” While leading the way in environmental stewardship within the coastal ferry sector, the group remains dedicated to exploring future fuel alternatives and driving industry-wide innovation.The launch of the Sunflower Kamuy marks a significant advancement in maritime technology..