Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) along with fellow Japanese companies Tohoku Electric Power and Namura Shipbuilding have jointly earned an Approval in Principle (AIP) from Lloyd’s Register for the design of an LNG-powered coal carrier.
This is Japan’s first joint acquisition by three companies — a shipping company, cargo owner, and shipbuilder — of an AIP for a vessel powered by LNG.
The vessel design ensures sufficient cargo capacity without making the hull larger by installing the LNG fuel tank at the stern. In addition, the study is pursued based on installation of the tank cover with an eye toward preventing an onboard fire from spreading to the LNG fuel tank while streamlining inspection work.
“ MOL will forge ahead with this cutting-edge coal carrier,” the Japanese line said in a release today.
