From left: Mr. Eiji Takeichi, President, Toyofuji Shipping Mr. Yasushi Okumura, President, Fukuju Shipping Mr. Shin Ueda, President & CEO, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding receives orders for Japan's first methanol-capable ro-ro ships

Ro-roMitsubishi Shipbuilding has received orders from Toyofuji Shipping and Fukuju Shipping for Japan's first methanol-capable ro-ro ships. The two ships will be built at the Enoura Plant of MHI's Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture, with scheduled completion and delivery by the end of fiscal 2027.

The ships will be approximately 169.9 metres in overall length and 30.2 metres in breadth, with 15,750 gross tonnage, and loading capacity for around 2,300 passenger vehicles.

A windscreen at the bow and a vertical stem are used to reduce propulsion resistance, while fuel efficiency is improved by employing MHI's proprietary energy-saving system technology, combing efficient propellers and rudders with reduced resistance. The main engine is a dual-fuel engine that can use both methanol and heavy fuel oil. Methanol-fuelled ro-ro ships have already entered into service as ocean-going vessels around the world, but this is the first construction of coastal vessels for service in Japan.

Jun 20 2024