MOL adds LNG dual-fuel car carrier Lazulite Ace to its low-emission fleet

Japan’s shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has taken delivery of a new LNG dual-fuel pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), Lazulite Ace, built at the Tadotsu Shipyard of Imabari Shipbuilding. The development was reported by The Maritime Telegraph . The vessel forms part of MOL’s fleet renewal strategy, which aims to introduce around 90 Japan-built ships powered by LNG or methanol by the end of the decade.

 

Classed by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK), the new car carrier uses LNG dual-fuel propulsion to significantly reduce emissions. Compared with conventional fuel engines, the system can lower CO₂ emissions by 25-30%, cut NOx by roughly 85%, and reduce SOx by up to 98%.

 

The vessel is powered by a Mitsui-MAN 6S60ME-C10.5-GI main engine delivering 10,800 kW at 100 rpm, supported by four auxiliary generators. This configuration enables a service speed of about 18 knots.

 

Lazulite Ace measures 199.93 meters in length, with a beam of 38 meters and a depth of 22.8 meters, giving a gross tonnage of 77,965. An updated internal layout increases vehicle capacity by roughly 600 units compared with earlier MOL PCTCs, allowing the ship to carry up to 7,033 CEUs without extending the hull length.

 

Picture: MOL