Japan's MOL takes delivery of LNG-fuelled car carrier

Japanese shipping major Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) on March 13 announced the delivery of the LNG-fuelled car carrier Cerulean Ace. MOL took the delivery of the vessel at the Onishi Shipyard of Shin Kurushima Dockyard Co.

MOL has decided to operate 14 new LNG-fuelled car carriers and the Cerulean Ace is the first of the 11 to be built in Japan under the Blue series. It is designed to transport cars, including those manufactured by Mazda Motor Corporation. 

According to MOL, the adoption of LNG fuel technology in its fleet results in notable environmental benefits. Compared to conventional fuel oil, LNG fuel reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by approximately 25-30%, sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions by about 98%, and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by around 85%. 

The MOL Group has outlined its commitment to sustainability through the establishment of the MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2, which includes the target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. To realise this vision, MOL plans to deliver 90 LNG/methanol-fuelled vessels by 2030. 

Currently, MOL has committed to deploying 33 LNG-fuelled ocean-going vessels, including the Cerulean Ace.