MOL set to add another dual-fuel LNG ferry to its fleet

Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) conducted the naming and launching ceremony of its fourth ferry that can run on LNG and conventional marine fuels.

PHOTO: LNG-fuelled ferry Sunflower Pirka and tugboat Ishin. MOL

The ferry, Sunflower Pirka, is currently being constructed by Japan-based shipbuilder Naikai Zosen Corporation. It will be operated by MOL’s subsidiary MOL Sunflower.

The vessel is expected to be delivered in April 2025 and will enter service on the Oarai-Tomakomai route in Japan, MOL said.  

This will be the fourth vessel to be added to MOL’s fleet of LNG-fuelled ferries. The Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki are already in service on the Osaka-Beppu route since 2023. The third ferry, Sunflower Kamuy, will enter service in early 2025.

“The LNG-fuelled tugboat Ishin, operated by MOL Group company Nihon Tug-Boat Co. assisted with towing operations during the launch of the ferry,” the shipping company added.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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