On April 4th, NYK concluded a contract for the construction and charter of a very large crude oil carrier (VLCC) (hereafter, the “Vessel”) equipped with a main engine that can use methanol as a next-generation fuel. The vessel, which will feature a large shaft generator, will be constructed by Nippon Shipyard Co., Ltd. (Nippon Shipyard) and engaged in a long-term charter for Idemitsu Tanker Co., Ltd. (Idemitsu Tanker).
This vessel will be a Malacca max next-generation environment-friendly VLCC that NYK has been designing with Idemitsu Tanker, IINO Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd., and Nippon Shipyard.
Methanol is a fuel expected to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It can reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by about 15% compared to when heavy oil is used. Furthermore, a further reduction in CO₂ emissions is expected when using green methanol, such as bio-methanol, which is produced using biomass as a raw material, or synthetic methanol (e-methanol), which is produced using hydrogen derived from renewable energy and captured CO₂.
In 2023, NYK announced the NYK Decarbonization Story with the aim of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. To achieve this goal, we need to improve the energy efficiency of our ships and significantly reduce GHG emissions through the use of alternative fuels. In addition to being the first VLCC in our fleet to be equipped with a state-of-the-art dual-fuel main engine that can use methanol, this vessel will also be equipped with a large shaft generator** for power generation. With its excellent energy efficiency and decarbonization advancement, the ship will play a leading role in the future decarbonization of crude-oil transport.
Principal Particulars of Vessel
| Length Overall | 339.5m |
| Breadth | 60.0m |
| Scantling Draught | 21.0m |
| Deadweight at Scantling Draught | Approx. 310,000 t |
| Fuel | Methanol and heavy oil |
| Other | Equipped with a large shaft generator |
| Build | Nippon Shipyard Co., Ltd., Japan Marine United Corporation |
| Charterer | Idemitsu Tanker Co., Ltd |
| Delivery | 2028 |
* The largest vessel type capable of passing through the Strait of Malacca, a major shipping route of crude oil between Japan and the Middle East
** To generate electricity by using the rotation of the shaft to transfer power from the main engine to the propeller. Reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions used by generators.