Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) group company MOL Drybulk and Kambara Kisen have signed a time charter agreement for a newbuilding methanol dual fuel bulk carrier, to be built at Tsuneishi Shipbuilding for scheduled delivery in 2027.
The vessel is designed to use e-methanol produced primarily by synthesising recovered CO2 and hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, and bio-methanol derived from biogas. The use of methanol derived from non-fossil raw materials significantly reduces GHG emissions compared to heavy oil-fueled and similar-size conventional vessels. The main engine will be a dual-fuel unit that can run primarily on methanol, or heavy oil as a backup fuel.
The vessel will be about 200m long, and 65,700 dwt. The design maximises cargo space at around 81,500m3, while ensuring sufficient methanol tank capacity to allow the required navigational distance assuming various routes. It is expected to serve mainly in the transport of biomass fuels from the east coast of North America to Europe and the UK and within the Pacific region, as well as grain from the east coast of South America and the US Gulf Coast to Europe and the Far East.
