MOL to Build Japan's First LNG-Fueled Tugboat

Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL) will build Japan's first LNG-fueled tugboat, the company said May 23.

It will conform to the International Maritime Organisation's IGF code issued this year and is subject to be examined by Japan's ministry of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism.

MOL will own the tugboat, slated for construction at Kanagawa Dockyard. Yanmar will supply LNG-fueled engines while Osaka Gas will supply LNG to the tugboat. The tugboat will be operated by Nihon Tug-Boat Company.

Artist's conception of the environment-friendly ferry (Credit: MOL)

The new tugboat will be deployed in Osaka Bay in April 2019, MOL said. It will be equipped with high-performance dual fuel engines and will be the first LNG-fueled tugboat to escort large-scale freighters in Osaka Bay and the Seto Inland Sea. MOL expects that the development of this tugboat will also spur the initial development of an LNG fuel supply system for vessels in Osaka Bay.

“The construction of this tugboat also reflects MOL's proactive stance in promoting LNG fuel through technological development of LNG-fueled vessels and enhancement of safe operation,” the company said.

Shardul Sharma