Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, has secured additional orders for three methanol-fuelled roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) cargo ships.
These orders were placed by Toyofuji Shipping, Miyazaki Sangyo Kaiun, and Nichitoku Kisen.
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Planned to be constructed at MHI’s Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works, the three ships are expected to be delivered sequentially from fiscal 2028.
Each vessel will measure approximately 168m in length and 30.2m in breadth, with a gross tonnage of 15,750gt and the capacity to transport around 2,300 passenger vehicles.
Some design features such as a windscreen at the bow and a vertical stem are expected to reduce the propulsion resistance of the ships.
Furthermore, MHI’s energy-saving system technology, which includes high-efficiency propellers and high-performance rudders is anticipated to improve fuel efficiency.
The dual-fuel engine capable of using both methanol and heavy fuel oil is projected to cut CO2 emissions per transport unit by more than 20% compared to current Toyofuji Shipping vessels that operate on heavy fuel oil.
Looking ahead, the potential use of green methanol could further diminish CO2 emissions across the fuel’s lifecycle, Mitsubishi said.
Methanol-fuelled RoRo vessels have already been deployed globally, and this marks Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s second order for such vessels for Japan’s coastal operations, following a June 2024 contract for two similar ships.
The new vessels will not only boast increased vehicle loading capacity and transport efficiency but are also expected to offer more flexible scheduling.
In a press statement, Mitsubishi said: “Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, to address the growing needs from the modal shift in marine transport against the backdrop of CO2 reductions in land transportation, labour 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.”
