NYK orders its first methanol dual-fuel VLCC

Japanese shipping line Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) is adding a first methanol dual-fuel very large crude oil carrier (VLCC) to its fleet.

The Tokyo-headquartered behemoth has signed up for a 339.5 m long, 309,400 dwt newbuild at fellow builder Nihon Shipyard (NSY), a joint venture between Imabari Shipbuilding and Japan Marine United.

The unit is based on the concept design developed by NYK together with Idemitsu Tanker, line Iino Kaiun Kaisha (Iino Lines) and NSY.

The vessel can use methanol as fuel in addition to conventional fuel oil and is equipped with a shaft generator that generates electricity by utilising the rotation of the main propeller shaft that significantly reduces ship-derived carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions.

“With its excellent energy efficiency and decarbonisation advancement, the ship will play a leading role in the future decarbonisation of crude oil transport,” NYK said.

Last October, Iino Lines became the first Japanese shipowner to order a supertanker that can run on methanol. The ship is set to deliver in 2027 and go on a charter contract with Idemitsu Tanker.

NYK’s newbuild is delivering in 2028 and has also been fixed to Idemitsu.

China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES), the Shanghai-listed energy transport unit of China Merchants Group, was the first to order methanol dual-fuel VLCCs. In September 2023, the company signed up for a 306,000 dwt unit at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co (DSIC), with delivery expected by April 2026.