NYK orders methanol-fuelled carrier

Japan’s Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) has ordered a 49,000 dwt methanol-fuelled chemical tanker with an expected delivery date of 2019.

NYK announced in December that the project was being partly financed by a 10-year JPY2bn ($18mn) loan from Taiyo Life Insurance. The project forms part of the NYK’s “Staying Ahead 2022 with Digitalization and Green” strategy.

NYK estimates that operating the main engine on methanol could reduce sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions by around 99% compared with heavy fuel oil, while overall SOx emissions of 75% can be achieved including all emissions.

The propulsion system will be capable of operating on methanol, fuel oil, marine diesel oil or gas oil. The Motorship previously reported that the vessel would be powered by dual-fuel ME-LGI engines from MAN Diesel & Turbo.

A Singapore-based subsidiary of NYK previously announced a long-term charter for a methanol-fuelled ship with Waterfront Shipping in February 2018.