Japan Secures Order for Its First Methanol Dual-Fuel Crude Oil Tanker

Japan's IINO Kaiun Kaisha (IINO Lines) has made a landmark move by placing an order for what is expected to be the country’s first methanol dual-fuel crude oil tanker at Nihon Shipyard, a collaborative venture between Imabari Shipbuilding and Japan Marine United Corporation.

The design of this innovative vessel will stem from a concept developed by a consortium that includes Idemitsu Tanker, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), NSY, and IINO Lines. The tanker is set to measure 340 meters in length and 60 meters in breadth, with an estimated weight of approximately 309,400 tons.

One of the key features of this tanker is its ability to utilize methanol as a fuel option in addition to traditional fuel oil. It will also incorporate a shaft generator, which produces electricity by harnessing the rotation of the main propeller shaft. This design aims to enhance operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

IINO Lines has highlighted that the adoption of methanol is expected to significantly reduce emissions of harmful air pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). Methanol is being positioned as a vital component of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction strategy outlined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). According to NYK, the use of methanol can lead to a 15% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to conventional heavy fuel oil.

Moreover, the potential for using green methanol—derived from sustainable sources like biomass or produced synthetically (e-methanol) using renewable hydrogen and captured CO2—could bring CO2 emissions down to nearly zero, reinforcing the environmental advantages of this fuel choice.

The tanker, currently under a charter contract with Idemitsu Tanker, is scheduled for completion in 2027. This project represents a crucial element of IINO Lines' mid-term management strategy, which emphasizes initiatives aimed at realizing a decarbonized society. The company is dedicated to integrating technologies that reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability within the maritime sector.

In line with its commitment to decarbonization, IINO Lines also ordered a dual-fuel very large gas carrier (VLGC) earlier this year. This VLGC, recognized as the "world’s first Ice Class IB VLGC," is set to be chartered to Borealis, a leading provider of sustainable polyolefin solutions based in Austria. With a cargo tank capacity of 93,000 cubic meters, the vessel will transport raw materials to Borealis' petrochemical plant in Porvoo, Finland.

Through these groundbreaking initiatives, IINO Lines is actively contributing to the advancement of greener shipping practices and reinforcing its role in the global transition toward a more sustainable maritime industry. By embracing innovative technologies and fuel sources, the company aims to lead the way in reducing the environmental impact of shipping operations.