A naming and launching ceremony for Japan’s first hybrid passenger ship, which utilises hydrogen and biodiesel fuels, was held today (13 September).
The vessel, HANARIA, was ordered by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) company MOTENA-Sea, and is under construction at the Hongawara Ship Yard Co.
The ship is scheduled to be delivered in March 2024 and will start operations in Fukuoka Prefecture in April 2024.
In a statement, MOL said: ‘The ship will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 53%-100% compared to conventional fossil fuels vessels, by introducing a system that would be the first case in Japan, that allows the selection of any of operating modes: hydrogen fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, and biodiesel fuel.
‘MOL Group will pursue the introduction of next-generation bunkering vessels, including this project, and will work in concert toward the goal of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050,’ the company added.
