MOL reduces oil spill risk

Mitsui O.S.K. lines (MOL) plans to build car carriers on which the fuel tanks are protected by the double hull. It is incorporating the design feature in 12 new ships, planned for launch between 2004 and 2006, to minimise the risk of a fuel spill in the case of an accident or grounding.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Minaminippon Shipbuilding, Shin Kurushima Dockyard, and Imabari Shipbuilding will build the vessels. The first of the ships is scheduled for completion on July 31 2004 at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Kobe Shipyard. It will measure 199m long, 32.26m wide, 34.52m deep and will have a volume of about 61,000g. Each of the 12 ships will accommodate about 6,400 standard passenger cars.

MOL’s new car carriers are designed with the fuel tanks located in the double hull, on what would be the bottom or 12th car deck on a conventional car carrier. In addition, the design places the ballast tank in the lowest point of the ship, which MOL says enhances stability, as well as providing more room for cargo on the 11th car deck. MOL and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have applied for a patent on the new design.