Peace Boat Signs LOI for 'Ecoship'
Japan’s largest cruise organisation Peace Boat has signed a letter of intent with the Finnish shipbuilder Arctech Helsinki Shipyard to build Ecoship. Peace Boat says it will be the most innovative and ecologically friendly cruise vessel ever.
Arctech CEO Esko Mustamaki said: “Ecoship will combine Arctech's know-how in technically advanced and environmentally friendly vessels with the well-established expertise of the Finnish shipbuilding network in designing and building of high-class cruise vessels and other special products. Arctech is a forerunner in developing and applying technological innovations, including LNG propulsion."
The agreement was signed May 30 at Nor-Shipping, a major trade fair in Scandinavia. A final contract for the 2,000-passenger and 750-cabin 60,000-metric ton vessel is expected to be signed shortly; the new ship is scheduled for delivery in spring 2020.
Signing the letter of intent (left to right): Arctech CEO Esko Mustamaki, Peace Boat director and founder Yoshioka Tatsuya, with classification firm DNV GL–Maritime’s north Europe regional manager Jon Rysst (Photo credit: DNV GL)
Unusually for a cruise operator, Peace Boat is a non-governmental organisation with Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council.
The Japanese cruise market though is being eyed by foreign operators, some of which have ordered their own newbuild LNG-propelled cruiseships.
Marubeni joins trade organisation
In other news, SEA\LNG, the industry organisation that aims to accelerate the widespread adoption of LNG as a marine fuel, said May 31 it has recruited Japan-based Marubeni to its membership, which now stands at 25. The organisation already includes cruise operator Carnival as well as a handful of shipping companies.
Compared with heavy marine fuel oils, the organisation says that LNG can emit 90% less nitrogen oxides (NOx) and through the use of best practices and appropriate technologies to minimise methane leakage, offers the potential for up to a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
“Although our company has expertise in multiple sectors, we view LNG as a core business field within our multifaceted service offering. Together with our partners, we look forward to collaboratively working towards a cleaner, more efficient shipping environment,” said Akihiko Sagara, CEO of the energy division of Marubeni Corporation.
Mark Smedley, Shardul Sharma