Tag: MOL

The new ships are scheduled to be put into service in 2014 and 2015 Osaka Gas has entered into an agreement with Mitsui OSK Lines for joint ownership of two new LNG carriers and a placement of ship-building orders to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.The new ships, scheduled to be put into service in 2014 and 2015 respectively, are planned to be used on the Gorgon (Australia) and PNG (Papua New Guinea) gas projects. The ships will be managed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines.The two tankers are to identical design, 288m length oa,with four independent MOSS spherical LNG tanks, of total capacity 153,000m3. The design features a continuous cover over the cargo tanks for enhanced structural strength, lower weight, and lower wind resistance, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. Combined with the use of a new steam turbine engine with steam re-heating, the ships are expected to achieve a fuel efficiency over 20% better than conventional ships. Tonnage is 138,000gt and service speed 19.5 knots.In addition to reduced CO2 and SOx emissions, the ships underline their environmental credentials with the installation of a ballast water treatment system.Source: The Motorship

KVH TracPhone V7 satellite communications system Following a successful trial, MOL LNG Transport, a subsidiary of Mitsui OSK Lines, is to instal the KVH TracPhone V7 satellite communications system from KVH Industries onboard three of its LNG tanker ships.The systems will use KVH's global mini-VSAT Broadband service, which is being provided by KVH's partner, SKY Perfect JSAT, under the OceanBB brand name. SKY Perfect JSAT is working with Japanese navigation and communications equipment manufacturer JRC, which is providing, installing, and integrating the TracPhone V7 antennas through a wholesale agreement with KVH.The TracPhone V7 was tested on one of MOL LNG Transport Co.'s LNG tankers in May 2011. MOL chose to adopt the system on multiple vessels to enhance business communications with frequent e-mail (including large files), and because it provides easy access to up-to-date weather, current, tidal, and ice information that contributes to MOL's plan to become a leader in safe vessel operation as well as voyage optimisation. Access to satellite communications also helps to maintain or improve crew morale."SKY Perfect JSAT, along with its OceanBB branded service, will be tremendously important as the Japanese market for mini-VSAT Broadband expands. We expect that many major commercial fleets such as Mitsui ...

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. announced the launch of a six-week safety campaign Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. announced the launch of a six-week safety campaign. President Muto, executives, and other personnel will proactively visit MOL-operated vessels to exchange opinions with on-board employees. IHI Corp. said that it has developed a low-emission container ship that can run on liquefied natural gas in addition to the conventional fuel of heavy oil.

Mitsui OSK Lines have started their safety campaign involving all MOL Operated vessels Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President: Koichi Muto) today announced the launch of a safety campaign involving all MOL-operated vessels from April 1, 2011.We have a frank exchange of ideas and opinions between management and seafarers and other front-line personnel about the prevention of accidents resulting in injury or death, which is one of the targeted four zeroes* in the midterm management plan GEAR UP! MOL that began in April 2010.* Four zeros Never allow (1) marine incidents, (2) oil pollution, (3) fatal accidents, or (4) cargo damage1. Campaign period One and a half months from April 1 to May 15, 20112. Theme Increase safety awareness by intensive visits of executives and employees including top management, aiming at achievement of the "four zeroes." Develop an environment that allows seafarers to concentrate on safe vessel operation and safe cargo transport, by directly explaining effects of the Tohoku Pacific Ocean Earthquake, responses to the quake aftermath, and proper information on radiation.Exchange ideas, advice, and opinions between onboard personnel and land-based personnel about "not allowing minor issues to develop into serious problems," based on lessons from resent accidents resulting in ...

Partnership with Hoegh Autoliners of Norway Mitsui OSK Lines has teamed up with Hoegh Autoliners of Norway in a joint venture that is looking to cash in on the short sea shipping business in EuropeThe Japanese transportation giant says the 50/50 partnership, Euro Marine Logistics, will be among the top three market leaders by the third quarter with a fleet of 13 vessels.Belgium-based EML says its short sea stable will include 750, 1,500 and 3,000-car vessels which will receive logistical support from both parents.The service network includes routes in the the Mediterranean, Continental Europe, UK and the Baltic, according to a statement.Financial terms were not disclosed.Source: Tradewinds

The main reasons for delay are port congestion at China ports On-time arrival performance for worldwide vessels dipped on the Asia-US West Coast and Asia-Europe trade lanes, but improvements were seen on the Asia-US East Coast and transatlantic lanes, according to data from Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL).On-time arrival performance globally was 88% on the Asia-US West Coast during the three months period ended June 2011, a 5% drop from 93% seen in the January-March 2011 period. The Asia-Europe trade performance dipped to 90% from 92%."The main reasons for delay are port congestion at China ports (port closure due to bad weather) - some could be recovered though still a few ports suffered delays," MOL said.On the Asia-US East Coast trade, on-time arrival performance improved during the period to 86% compared to 83% in the previous period. The transatlantic trade showed a marked improvement to 92% from 50%, according to the Japanese liner.Ships operated by MOL recorded similar performance results showing improvements in the Asia-US East Coast and transatlantic trades, and regression on the Asia-US Wast Coast and Asia-Europe trades.Source: Seatrade Asia

Developed as low fuel consumption eco-friendly ship Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (with president Mr. Yasuhiko Katoh) has agreed with a first class shipowner to build 2 units of "neo Supramax 66BC", 66,000 dwt bulk carriers of next generation newly developed as low fuel consumption eco-friendly ship.Keeping the superior usability of MES best selling 56,000 dwt type handymax bulk carrier which achieved over 170 contracts, this new and larger type bulk carrier is expected to establish a new segment in bulk carrier market. Development of the ship's design was preceded by hearings from various owners and operators and investigations on more than 600 ports all over the world. This ship is designed to have over-Panamax beam (36m) and shallow draft in consideration of prevailing trade patterns and the expansion of Panama Canal in 2014.Despite its larger deadweight and cargo capacity than Mitsui 56, neo Supramax 66BC achieves even less fuel consumption by adopting newly developed hull form and other energy saving equipment.At IMO MEPC62 held from 11th to 15th July, 2011 in London, implementation of new energy efficiency design index (EEDI) and actual restrictions on fuel consumption in line therewith have been adopted. Ocean-going ships to be built now ...

It improves fuel efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has adopted the use of a new low-friction ship-bottom paint to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.The high smoothness of the paint, Seaflo Neo developed by Chugoku Marine Paint, reduces friction drag between the hull and the water, improving fuel efficiency by 3-5% compared to an identical vessel with a conventional hull coating.The new environment-friendly paint is also low in volatile organic compounds, a major source of air pollution.The paint was applied to car carriers Eternal Ace and Brilliant Ace.MOL moves aggressively to adopt various technologies that will contribute to reducing the environmental burden of its business activities, it said.Source: Seatrade Asia

Increasing international interest in Vietnam's port sector The Japanese government, investors, contractors, and shipping lines are all looking to get involved in the Vietnamese ports and shipping sector, said the London-based Business Monitor International's (BMI) Vietnam freight transport report for 2011's third quarter, according to Vietnam News Briefs Service.Japanese interest in Vietnam's ports and shipping industry was surging, BMI noted, cited Kobe Steel as saying it will build its own US$244 million to $365 million port in Vietnam to secure iron nugget supplies.Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) will deploy Europe-bound container vessels for the first time that will have a handling capacity of 6,500 TEUs. MOL will operate 10 such vessels through Vietnam on a weekly basis.Besides, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) was to launch freight services between Southeast Asian countries in association with state-run Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines).Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha ("K'' Line) along with a Vietnamese logistics firm will establish a joint venture in Hanoi to operate an international freight forwarding business by sea and air. The venture was also considering establishing a branch in Ho Chi Minh City.Meanwhile, Japan International Cooperation Agency was funding the bulk of the US$1.7 billion to Lach Huyen's new port project in the ...

Building 2 New 8,600TEU Containerships Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President: Koichi Muto) today announced a decision to order two containerships (8,600 TEU) from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., with delivery slated for 2013. Along with eight 8,100 TEU ships already in operation, the new vessels will be deployed to Asia-Europe routes.The company also reached an agreement with NOL Group* for a three-year charter of five large containerships (14,000 TEU) of 10 that NOL Group has on order. The five chartered ships will be delivered in 2013 - 2014 and will serve with the other five operated by APL on Asia-Europe routes."Expansion of the fleet will secure needed capacity on the East-West route, and allow us to provide high-quality, competitive services. MOL works continuously to further improve and optimise its service, and is reviewing the need for an expansion of the fleet on not only East-West trades but also all other routes for the benefit of our customers," said Junichiro Ikeda, CEO, MOL Liner.Source: MOL