The second of Japan’s first two LNG-fueled ferries, the Sunflower Murasaki, owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and operated by its group company Ferry Sunflower has entered service. Its sister ship, the Sunflower Kurenai, started operations in January 2023.
Operating on a route between Osaka and Beppu, the Sunflower Murasaki replaces the previously used Sunflower Cobalt. The latest vessel benefits from a high-performance dual-fuel engine that enables it to run on LNG and heavy fuel oil. When using LNG, it is estimated that CO2 emissions will be reduced by 25% and SOX by nearly 100%.
With a target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050, the MOL Group is promoting the wider adoption of LNG fuel through the development and advancement of LNG fuel supply systems in Japan and elsewhere. To reach this goal, MOL aims to accelerate its initiatives to reduce total GHG emissions by expanding the introduction of LNG-fueled vessels.
The new ferry company aims to operate four LNG-fueled ferries, with a further two vessels to be added to the fleet in 2025. These will replace vessels currently being used on the Oarai to Tomakomai route.
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