Sustainability is the key in today’s lifestyle and sustainable maritime transport is the newest entry in the segment. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has launched a state-of-the-art coastal tanker named Daiichi Meta Maru and it is designed to operate on environmentally friendly methanol fuel. The vessel is jointly owned by MOL Coastal Shipping, Tabuchi Kaiun Co., Ltd. and Niihama Kaiun Kabushiki Kaisha. It marks pioneering effort of Japan to integrate methanol into coastal shipping. It of course sets a new standard in the industry.
The naming and launching ceremony was held at the Kanasashi Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. that is a part of the Murakami Hide Shipbuilding Group. The innovation highlights commitment of MOL in reducing marine pollution as well as greenhouse gas emissions. The Daiichi Meta Maru is scheduled for delivery in December this year and is equipped with advanced energy-saving devices. It is simultaneously equipped with automated cargo handling systems and cutting-edge operational support technologies.
Methanol use represents a significant environmental benefit compared to conventional heavy fuel oil. It reduces emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM). It can reduce SOx emissions by up to 99%, PM emissions by up to 95%, NOx emissions by up to 80% and CO2 emissions by up to 15%.
Apart from all these, methanol is available readily and easily. It is available at about 130 major ports across the world. It can also be sourced from renewable energy-derived sources such as e-methanol and bio-methanol. It is versatile and enhances fuel availability. It supports further reductions in net greenhouse gas emissions.
As of now, MOL has incorporated methanol into its oceangoing vessels. The deployment of Daiichi Meta Maru will be an important step towards expanding the use of methanol in coastal shipping.
