Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has received orders from Toyofuji Shipping Co., Ltd. (Aichi Prefecture) and Fukuju Shipping Co., Ltd. Shizuoka Prefecture) for Japan’s first methanol-fueled roll-on/roll-off (RORO) cargo ships(1). The two ships will be built at the Enoura Plant of MHI’s Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture, with scheduled completion and delivery by the end of fiscal 2027.
The ships will be approximately 169.9 meters in overall length and 30.2 meters in breadth, with 15,750 gross tonnage, and loading capacity for around 2,300 passenger vehicles.
A windscreen at the bow and a vertical stem are used to reduce propulsion resistance, while fuel efficiency is improved by employing MHI’s proprietary energy-saving system technology combing high-efficiency propellers and high-performance rudders with reduced resistance. The main engine is a high-performance dual-fuel engine that can use both methanol and A heavy fuel oil, reducing CO2 emissions by more than 10% compared to ships with the same hull and powered by fuel oil, contributing to a reduced environmental impact. In the future, the use of green methanol(2) may lead to further reduction in CO2 emissions, including throughout the lifecycle of the fuel. Methanol-fueled RORO ships have already entered into service as ocean-going vessels around the world, but this is the first construction of coastal vessels for service in Japan.
In addition, the significant increase in vehicle loading capacity and transport capacity per voyage compared to conventional vessels will provide greater leeway in the ship allocation schedule, securing more holiday and rest time for the crew, thereby contributing to working style reforms.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, to address the growing needs from the modal shift in marine transport against the backdrop of CO2 reductions in land transportation, labor shortages, and working style reforms, will continue to work with its business partners to provide solutions for a range of societal issues by building ferries and RORO vessels with excellent fuel efficiency and environmental performance that contribute to stable navigation for customers.
(1) Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ships are cargo ships equipped with a vehicle ramp like a ferry, allowing cargo loaded on cargo beds such as trucks and trailers to be loaded and unloaded on their own, and transported. (2) Green methanol is a type of carbon-neutral fuel. It is a synthetic fuel made from sustainable biomass or captured CO2 and hydrogen produced from renewable energy.
About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.
For more information: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Address: 2-3, Marunouchi 3-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-8332, Japan Telephone: 81-3-6275-6200 URL: http://www.mhi.com/
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group company based in Yokohama, today held a christening and launch ceremony for the TRANS HARMONY GREEN, the first of two LNG-powered roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ships* under construction for Toyofuji Shipping Co., Ltd. The ceremony took place at the Enoura Plant of MHI’s Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The ship’s handover is scheduled for late January 2025 following completion of outfitting work and sea trials. The TRANS HARMONY GREEN will serve as a RO/RO vessel on shipping routes in Asia.
Christening and Launch Ceremony of TRANS HARMONY GREEN
The TRANS HARMONY GREEN is approximately 195 meters in overall length, approximately 30.6 meters in breadth, and has gross tonnage of approximately 49,500. It can simultaneously transport about 3,000 passenger cars. The ship’s main engine and main generator engine are high-performance dual-fuel engines each accommodating LNG or diesel fuel. Together these engines enable a greater than 25% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to ships with the same hull and powered by fuel oil, cutting SOx (sulfur oxides) emissions to near zero, thereby helping to reduce the vessel’s environmental footprint.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, as part of MHI Group’s strategic initiatives for energy transition, today contributes toward realizing a carbon-neutral world by building LNG-powered ships enabling the maritime industry to achieve a low-carbon footprint. Going forward, as a maritime system integrator the Company will continue to work with its business partners to solve diverse issues through construction of ferries and RO/RO ships that will contribute to stable operations at sea while also providing outstanding energy and environmental performance.
*RO/RO ships are equipped with a ferry-type ramp enabling direct vehicle access, including cargo-loaded trucks and trailers.
About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group company based in Yokohama, has received an order from Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for 2 additional units of its Fuel Gas Supply System (FGSS)*, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel gas supply system for high-pressure dual-fuel marine engines. The FGSS units for 2 LNG-fueled bulk carriers to be built by Imabari Shipbuilding will be continuously delivered with LNG fuel tanks from summer 2025.
The FGSS ordered by Imabari Shipbuilding feature an optimized cargo space layout utilizing a modular design for exceptional space-saving and maintenance access, shortened construction schedule at shipyards, and a proprietary control system that can be customized according to customer needs, contributing to both excellent operability and safety. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding previously received orders for a total of 18 high-pressure FGSS units, including units for “SWEET PEA LEADER” and “DAISY LEADER”, both of which are LNG-fueled car carriers built by Imabari Shipbuilding Group and have already entered into service respectively in October 2023 and in March 2024. With this additional order, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will supply a total 20 units (15 car carriers and 5 bulk carriers) to Imabari Shipbuilding Group.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, as part of MHI Group’s strategic initiatives for energy transition, will provide FGSS units to a broad range of customers involved in the construction of LNG-fueled vessels, enhancing the added value and competitiveness of ships. Further, by helping to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the widespread adoption of LNG-fueled vessels, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, as a maritime system integrator, aims to further the decarbonization of the marine industry, support the realization of a carbon neutral world, and reduce environmental impacts on a global scale.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co, Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has acquired Approval in Principle (AiP)(1) from the Japanese classification society ClassNK for an ammonia fuel supply system (AFSS) for the “X-DF-A,” a large, low-speed 2-stroke ammonia-fueled engine under development by WinGD, a Swiss designer and licensor of large marine engines. The AiP presentation ceremony took place today at “Sea Japan 2024” International Maritime Exhibition and Conference at Tokyo Big Sight.
AiP Presentation Ceremony (From right: Mr. Dominik Schneiter, CEO, WinGD Mr. Shin Ueda, President & CEO, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Mr. Masaki Matsunaga, Executive Vice President / Director of Plan Approval and Technical Solution Division, ClassNK)
In June 2023 Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and WinGD concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to undertake joint technical studies on an AFSS, aiming to contribute to the achievement of a new target set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the global maritime industry by or around 2050(2). The joint studies resulted in finalization in February 2024 of the basic design for an AFSS for the “X-DF-A” engine under development by WinGD(3). The AiP was acquired together with approval of a new ammonia gas abatement system (AGAS), and now technical studies will go forward with WinGD toward commercialization.
Because ammonia emits no CO2 when combusted, it is attracting attention today as a fuel with the potential to contribute significantly to reducing GHG emissions in the maritime industry, and it is expected to be utilized in the future as a source of stable, clean energy. Going forward, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue to develop marine ammonia handling systems, including fuel supply systems for ammonia combustion systems for the X-DF-A and other engines, as well as various ammonia gas abatement system systems. In addition, by proposing the design and engineering of ammonia-fueled ships and onboard plants – comprising multiple ammonia-fueled combustion systems such as main engines, power generation engines, and boilers – Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will promote decarbonization of the maritime industry toward realizing a carbon-neutral society, and also contribute to reduction of environmental impacts on a global scale.
(1) Approval in Principle (AiP) indicates that a certification body has reviewed the basic design and confirmed that it meets the technical requirements and standards for safety. Inspection of this system was conducted based on ClassNK’s “Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels.” (2) For more information on the MOU signed by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and WinGD, see the following press release. https://www.mhi.com/news/230605.html (3) For more information on the finalization of the basic design of the AFSS for WinGD’s marine engine, see the following press release: https://www.mhi.com/news/24022203.html
About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has received an order from Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) for an ammonia fuel supply system (AFSS) and ammonia gas abatement system (AGAS).
Ammonia Fuel Supply System (High-pressure and Low-pressure AFSS module)
The AFSS will supply ammonia fuel to ammonia-powered marine engines developed by J-ENG, and the AGAS will safely treat any surplus ammonia. The newly ordered AFSS and AGAS are remotely controlled automatically by an integrated control system. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will deliver the modules to J-ENG in 2025.
Conversion from fossil fuels to environmentally sustainable fuels is indispensable for achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the global maritime industry by or around 2050, the goal set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Because ammonia emits no CO2 when combusted, adoption of ammonia fuel is expected to contribute to the development of decarbonized infrastructure in the maritime industry.
Going forward, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, aligning with MHI Group’s strategy of advancement of the energy transition, will bring together its technologies and expertise in ammonia handling accumulated through its history of building transport carriers, and as a shipboard ammonia handling systems manufacturer the company will supply products of maximum safety and reliability. Additionally, as a maritime system integrator, through provision of shipbuilding engineering services for ammonia-fueled vessels, plus construction support and other services meeting customer needs, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue contributing to the further development of marine logistics and to reducing the maritime industry’s environmental impact on a global scale.
Ammonia-fueled marine engine (photo provided by J-ENG)
About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.
