In Japan, Idemitsu Kosan and its subsidiary Idemitsu Tanker announced plans to build two 309,400-deadweight-ton very large crude carriers equipped with methanol dual-fuel engines, shaft generators, and two rotor sails—scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029—to reduce CO₂ emissions by over 40% compared to the IMO’s EEDI Phase 3 baseline.
Each vessel, designed in collaboration with Iino Kaiun, NYK Line, and Japan Marine United, will use both methanol and heavy fuel oil. The ships will feature shaft generators powered by the propeller shaft during transit, and rotor sails—the first such installation on a VLCC, according to Idemitsu Tanker.
Methanol fuel, compared to heavy fuel oil, offers reductions of up to 80% in nitrogen oxides, 99% in sulfur oxides, and 15% in carbon dioxide. “Green methanol,” produced from biomass or synthesized using captured CO₂ and renewable hydrogen, is also under consideration.
Including four additional time-chartered VLCCs planned for 2026 and beyond, the company aims to replace six vessels in total. “We will continue working with Idemitsu Tanker, a pioneer in VLCC construction and operations, to contribute to decarbonizing the shipping industry,” Idemitsu Kosan stated.
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Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
