Sakura Leader: New LNG-fueled Pure Car Carrier Enters Service

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. completed installation of the first unit of an LNG (liquefied natural gas) fuel gas supply system (FGSS) for marine dual fuel engines, delivered in November last year, on the pure car carrier (PCC) built by Shin Kurushima Toyohashi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. 

The first LNG-fueled PCC built in Japan was delivered to Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha on October 28, 2020, and has entered service. During the construction period after the delivery of the FGSS, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding maintained close cooperation with the shipyard and supported the delivery of the ship by conducting various adjustments and commissioning of the FGSS.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding supported the shipyard by providing the relevant engineering services and technical support relating to the gas handling of the LNG-fueled PCC, as well as dispatching highly experienced engineers for a part of installation work and the gas testing. Engineers were also dispatched last month during the LNG fueling, the first ship-to-ship bunkering in Japan. The same FGSS system is currently being manufactured for a second PCC, and is to be delivered next year as scheduled.

The ship has been designated by Japan's Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) as a model project to reduce CO2 emissions by using alternative fuel, and demonstrate substantial CO2 emission reduction technology during actual operation. The FGSS is expected to greatly contribute to the environmental performance of the ship not only by meeting the SOx (sulfur oxide) emission regulations implemented globally in 2020, but also by improving the energy efficiency (CO2 emissions per unit of transportation) of the ship by approximately 40%, far exceeding the International Maritime Organization (IMO) EEDI Phase 3 requirements(Note) that will come into effect in 2025.

FGSS module. Photo Courtesy Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

The FGSS is an LNG fuel gas supply system developed by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding usine LNG and vaporized gas handling technology accumulated through its experience with construction of LNG carriers, and has been verified for marine use based on experience in marine engine test facilities at engine manufacturers. The system comprises LNG fuel tanks, LNG fuel gas supply units, a control unit and other facilities, and is delivered in modules.

Going forward, by providing FGSS and related engineering services, as well as technical support for new buildings and conversions, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will contribute to competitiveness for ship owners and operators, increase the added value of ships, and reduce the environmental load that is increasing worldwide.