MITSUI O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MOL) named and launched the LNG-fueled ferry Sunflower Pirka on September 4 at the Naikai Zosen Corp.
In a statement, MOL said it was committed to leading the world toward a low-carbon/decarbonized society by proactively adopting LNG, a low-carbon fuel that can be put to practical use immediately.
The LNG-fueled tugboat Ishin, operated by MOL Group company Nihon Tug-Boat Co. Ltd., assisted with towing operations during the launch.
The LNG-fueled ferry Sunflower Pirka and LNG-fueled tugboat Ishin.PHOTO from MOL
The ferry was named “Sunflower Pirka” by Sueji Shinohara, chairman of the Hokuren Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives.
The Sunflower Pirka is scheduled for delivery from Naikai Zosen in April 2025 and will enter service on the Oarai-Tomakomai route operated by MOL Sunflower.
With the Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki already in service on the Osaka-Beppu route and the sister ship Sunflower Kamuy scheduled to enter service in early 2025, the MOL Group will operate a fleet of four LNG-fueled ferries on East-West routes in Japan. The fleet makes the group the largest operator of LNG-fueled ferries in Japan, offering stable services in both logistics and passenger transport.
Ferry performance
The Sunflower Pirka will reduce CO2 emissions by about 35 percent compared to vessels currently serving on the Hokkaido route. By adopting the Ishin hull form and various state-of-the-art technologies, including energy-saving devices developed by Naikai Zosen, the ferry will contribute to reducing CO2 emissions in society.
The ferry will also support Japan’s Modal Shift and address the “2024 logistics problem” by providing more space for trucks and more comfortable accommodations for truck drivers.
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