Mitsui OSK Lines’ subsidiary Phoenix Tankers has signed a deal with Namura Shipbuilding for the construction of two very large gas carriers (VLGCs) to transport liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ammonia.
The vessels, which can also run on LPG fuel, are slated for delivery in succession after 2023.
LPG, as fuel, can reduce CO2 emissions by about 20%, and sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM), and so on by about 90% compared to fuel oil. “The new carriers are designed to maximise fuel efficiency, and are cutting-edge environmentally friendly vessels in conformity with the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase 3, which will be applicable for VLGCs contracted after 2022,” according to a statement from the line.
EEDI is an international regulation that shows CO2 emissions per ton of cargo transported one mile. In EEDI Phase3, the newbuilding vessels will be required to theoretically achieve a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions from the EEDI baseline in their design phase.
Ammonia is drawing attention as a next-generation clean fuel that does not emit carbon dioxide when burned, and as a "hydrogen carrier" that can be used to transport hydrogen, says MOL. “The newly ordered vessels are also designed to transport ammonia, and are presently the world's largest-scale ammonia carriers. “Furthermore, they will be built with an eye on conversion to ammonia fuelled in the future because LPG and ammonia fuels have similar characteristics.”
Namura Shipbuilding will construct the two vessels at its Imari Shipyard, under a technical tie-up with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding.
