LNG-fuelled Panamax coal carrier commences operation

In a naming and delivery ceremony held at the Imari Shipyard and Works of Namura Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., the new vessel was named Reimei.

The Reimei, a large LNG-fuelled coal carrier, is operated by MOL to transport coal from overseas to Kyuden’s coal-fired thermal power plants.

Compared to conventional marine fuel, LNG can reduce emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide by about 30%, sulfur oxides by about 100%, and nitrogen oxides by about 80%.

The Reimei departed from Imari Port on 14 November 2023 for shore-to-ship bunkering at Tobata Port in Fukuoka Prefecture on 15 November, where it will receive fuel directly from the onshore LNG shipping terminal.

In the future, ship-to-ship bunkering from an LNG bunkering vessel can also be adopted as a way for the vessel to receive fuel.