Japanese trio design LNG coal carrier

The project, which has received approval in principle from Lloyd’s Register, marks the first time a Japanese ship owner, cargo owner and ship builder have cooperated on such a project for a gas-fuelled vessel.

In a statement MOL said that the design, with the LNG fuel tank astern, ensures sufficient cargo capacity without extending the hull. The concept also includes a tank cover that aims to minimise the risk of onboard fire spreading from the fuel tank.

The project is one of several LNG initiatives on which MOL is working. Others include Japan’s first LNG-fuelled harbour tug and a feasibility study for a dual-fuel retrofit of an ultra-large containership.