Japan completes methanol-fueled chemical tanker
In Japan, Kokuka Sangyo has taken delivery of its first dedicated methanol-fueled vessel, the 1,223-dwt chemical tanker Kokuryu Maru, which completed its first methanol bunkering Sept. 24 at Kinoe Port in Hiroshima Prefecture using fuel that included biomethanol produced at Mitsubishi Gas Chemical’s Niigata plant.
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical will charter the 498-gross-ton vessel, which will primarily transport methanol on domestic routes and also serve as a methanol bunkering ship.
Koa Sangyo built the tanker, and Hanshin Diesel Works supplied its dedicated methanol-fueled main engine.
The vessel project received support under Japan’s 2024 maritime decarbonization program for LNG and methanol fuel systems.
Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
