Japanese shipping company Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has named its new next-generation coal carrier at Namura Shipbuilding in Japan.

Part of the EeneX series, the new MOL-operated carrier has been specifically constructed to serve Chugoku Electric Power.

Named Energia Azalea, the new vessel will join the already operational vessel Energia Centaurus to ship coal from overseas.

Energia Azalea is the third vessel in the EeneX series and features a double-hull structure that helps avoid filling cargo holds with ballast water.

The structure also lowers the risk of marine pollution and minimises the risks of cargo contamination from salt or rust.

MOL stated: “The name Energia Azalea is derived from the official city flower of Hamada-shi, Shimane Prefecture, home to Chugoku Electric Power’s Misumi Power Station, and company’s brand name, ‘Energia’.”

Last month, MOL conducted the naming ceremony for another next-generation coal carrier in the EeneX series at Oshima Shipbuilding.

Called Hokulink, this vessel was specifically constructed to serve Hokuriku Electric Power Company.

In 2019, MOL unveiled the EeneX vessel design, a 90-type (90,000dwt) coal carrier developed in collaboration with shipyards in Japan.

Recently, the company also signed an agreement with Japan’s Nihon Shipyard and Shin Kurushima Dockyard to build four liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fuelled car carriers.

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