Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has received additional orders for three methanol dual-fuel roll-on/roll-off (RORO) cargo ships from Toyofuji Shipping, Miyazaki Sangyo Kaiun, and Nichitoku Kisen.
Each vessel will be approximately 168 meters long, 30.2 meters wide, with a gross tonnage of 15,750 and a capacity to carry around 2,300 passenger vehicles. As explained, a windscreen at the bow and a vertical stem are used to reduce propulsion resistance, while fuel efficiency is improved by employing MHI’s energy-saving system technology combining high-efficiency propellers and high-performance rudders with reduced resistance.
The main engine is dual-fuel engine that can use both methanol and heavy fuel oil, expected to reduce CO2 emissions per transport unit by more than 20% compared to ships currently operated by heavy fuel oil and owned by Toyofuji Shipping, contributing to a reduced environmental impact.
This setup is expected to lower CO2 emissions per transport unit by over 20% compared to current Toyofuji Shipping vessels. The use of green methanol in the future could further reduce emissions across the fuel’s lifecycle.
Additionally, the increased vehicle loading capacity of these ships will improve scheduling flexibility, allowing for more crew rest and contributing to better working conditions.
This order follows a previous methanol-fueled RORO vessel order in June 2024. These ships will be constructed at MHI’s Enoura Plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture and are scheduled for completion starting in fiscal 2028.
