MOL orders two LNG-fuelled ferries from Naikai Zosen

FerryMitsui O.S.K. Lines have placed an order at Naikai Zosen shipyard for two 199.4m long LNG-fuelled ferries for their Ferry Sunflower brand. Once delivered in 2025 they will replace SUNFLOWER DAISETSU and SUNFLOWER SHIRETOKO on the Oarai-Tomakomai route and reduce CO2 emissions by about 35%.

The new ferries will adopt the "ISHIN" ship design which features a streamlined shape with an aerodynamically rounded bow that can use diagonal headwinds to help propel the vessel. They will also have "Spray Tearing Plate" installed to further boost efficiency, which is a rectangular energy-saving device that suppresses resistance from waves and swells on the surface of the water.

	Newbuilding ferries (plan)	Current ferries in service
Ship name	TBD	SUNFLOWER DAISETSU SUNFLOWER SHIRETOKO
Passenger capacity	157	154
Vehicles (units)	50	62
Truck loading capacity (units) (converted to 13m)	155	135
LOA	199.4m	190.0m
Gross tonnage	About 15,600 tons	About 11,400 tons
Main engine	One low-speed engine	Two medium-speed engines
Main fuel	LNG (the vessel can also be operated on compliant fuel oil)	Compliant fuel oil (C heavy oil)

The MOL Group is also currently building Japan's first two LNG-fuelled ferries, SUNFLOWER KURENAI and SUNFLOWER MURASAKI at Mitsubishi Shipbuilding for delivery Dec 2022 and May 2023.

Feb 17 2022