Ten more for MOL

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has decided to build 10 large car carriers that will be delivered from 2007 to 2009. The new construction plan follows a series of six carriers delivered in 2003 and 12 carriers for delivery between 2004 and 2006. In all, MOL will have a series of 28 of the same class of carriers.

The latest ten newbuilding will be similar to the current 6,400 CEU carriers now being delivered or under construction, and will be built at Minaminippon Shipbuilding and Shin Kurushima Dockyard.

They will offer the most advanced features to improve environmental friendliness, loading/discharging efficiency, and safety. For example an established wind resistance-reducing design patented by MOL and Universal Shipbuilding Corporation will save energy and reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxides by about 6%.

A new cylinder injection system for main engine lubricating oil will reduce consumption of the oil and cut particulate matter emissions by about 30% while the double-hulled fuel tank will significantly reduce the risk of fuel oil spills. To dramatically improve loading/discharge efficiency, all the new carriers will feature movable ramps and improved deck layout.