Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL)’s hybrid passenger ship ‘Hanaria’, which uses hydrogen and biodiesel fuels, has started service in Kitakyushu, Japan.
The ship was built at the Hongawara Ship Yard for MOL Group company Motena-Sea, backed by investments from MOL Techno-Trade. This is the first passenger ship in Japan that can select propulsion energy from hydrogen fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, and biodiesel fuel, achieving a GHG reduction rate of 53%-100% compared to conventional fossil-fuelled vessels of the same class.
The ship’s first-floor passenger cabin features a large 98in monitor and projector in the front, opening up a range of applications beyond transportation, such as events, environmental education, and venues for international conferences. In addition, the second-floor passenger cabins are designed so passengers can enjoy cruising while feeling the breeze from the ship’s deck.
Passengers can enjoy a variety of cruise routes, such as the ‘Worship Cruise’, visiting three shrines facing the Kanmon Straits; the ‘Kanmon Straits Cruise’, which visits famous landmarks such as Kanmon Bridge, which connects Honshu and Kyushu; and the ‘Factory Night View Cruise’, showcasing night-time views of industrial heritage sites.
The MOL Group has positioned environmental strategy as a key element of its management plan, and set the target of achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050 through some strategies such as adopting clean fuels to vessels and efficient operations. The group will pursue the introduction of next-generation fuel vessels, including this project, and contribute to the realisation of a low-carbon, decarbonised society.
Image: ‘Hanaria’ hybrid passenger ship (source: MOL)
