NYK orders first methanol-powered VLCC
Japan-headed shipping major Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha Line (NYK Line) has announced that it has concluded a contract for the construction and charter of a very large crude oil carrier (VLCC) equipped with a main engine that can use methanol as a next-generation fuel.
The vessel, which will feature a large shaft generator, will be constructed by Nippon Shipyard Co., Ltd. (Nippon Shipyard) and engaged in a long-term charter for Idemitsu Tanker Co., Ltd. (Idemitsu Tanker).
This vessel will be a Malaccamax next-generation environment-friendly VLCC that NYK has been designing with Idemitsu Tanker, IINO Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd., and Nippon Shipyard, with delivery expected in 2028.
Reduce carbon emissions
Methanol is a fuel expected to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Conventional methanol can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by about 15 percent compared to when heavy fuel oil (HFO) is used.
A further reduction in CO2 emissions can be expected when using green methanol, such as bio-methanol, which is produced using biomass as a raw material, or synthetic methanol (e-methanol), which is produced using hydrogen derived from renewable energy and captured CO2.
In 2023, NYK announced the NYK Decarbonization Story to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. To achieve this goal, NYK needs to improve the energy efficiency of its fleet and significantly reduce GHG emissions by using alternative fuels.
In addition to being the first VLCC in the NYK fleet to be equipped with a state-of-the-art dual-fuel main engine that can use methanol, this vessel will also be equipped with a large shaft generator for power generation – electricity is generated by using the rotation of the shaft to transfer power from the main engine to the propeller, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by onboard generators.
What's Your Reaction?
