LNG supply basic agreement signed for two new Ferry Sunflower ferries

FerryMitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. and Hokkaido Gas Co., Ltd. jointly announced that basic agreements were signed for supply of LNG fuel to two new Ferry Sunflower ferries at each port on the Oarai-Tomakomai route.

The LNG fuel supply is scheduled to start in 2025 when the ferries will enter service. JAPEX will supply LNG fuel to the ferries at the Port of Oarai in Ibaraki Prefecture, and Hokkaido Gas will supply it at the Port of Tomakomai in Hokkaido, both through the truck-to-ship method. The LNG supply system uses a skid that connects the vessel to four tanker trucks simultaneously. This speeds up the bunkering process, allowing the ferries to take on sufficient fuel even during their limited time in berth.

The two 199.4m long ferries are being built at the Naikai Zosen shipyard and will replace SUNFLOWER DAISETSU and SUNFLOWER SHIRETOKO once delivered. The are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by about 35%.

jan 08 2023