LNG-Powered Car Carrier, Cerulean Ace, Delivered to MOL

The Cerulean Ace, a new LNG-powered car carrier, was recently received by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) from Shin Kurushima Dockyard. This vessel is set to carry vehicles produced by Mazda Motor Corporation.

Spanning approximately 200 meters in length with a width of 38 meters, the ship boasts a carrying capacity of 7,050 vehicles. It is outfitted with an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system, which, through cameras in the cargo area, alerts the crew to any unusual situations within the bay.

The official handover and naming ceremony of the vessel took place on March 13th at the Onishi Shipyard. This vessel marks the commencement of MOL's initiative to introduce eleven LNG-fueled car carriers, a first for Japan.

Furthermore, the vessel is equipped with Starlink satellite communication services, ensuring high-speed internet access onboard.

MOL aims to include 90 LNG-powered and methanol-fueled ships in its fleet by the year 2030, selecting LNG as the preferred fuel to cut down emissions and promote eco-friendly maritime operations. Utilizing LNG can lead to a reduction of CO2 emissions by 25 to 30%, sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions by nearly 98%, and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 85%, when compared to traditional fuel usage in similar ships.