Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), MOL Ferry Co. (MOL Ferry), Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. (JAPEX) and Hokkaido Gas Co. (Hokkaido Gas) have jointly signed deals to supply LNG fuel to two new-build LNG-fuel ferries from 2025.

The ships, ‘Sunflower Kurenai’ and ‘Sunflower Murasaki’, will operate in each port on the Oarai-Tomakomai route operated by MOL Group company MOL Ferry when they enter service in two years’ time.

JAPEX will supply LNG fuel to the ferries at the Port of Oarai in Ibaraki Prefecture, and Hokkaido Gas will supply it at the Port of Tomakomai in Hokkaido respectively through the Truck to Ship method.

The LNG supply system uses a skid that connects the vessel to four tanker trucks simultaneously and speeds up the bunkering process, allowing the ferries to take on sufficient fuel even during their limited time in berth.

LNG fuel reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by about 25% compared to conventional fuel oil and is currently a viable measure for low-carbonisation of marine fuel. The four companies will lead to promote LNG as marine fuel in Japan and contribute to reducing the environmental impact.