NYK Orders First Methanol-Fueled VLCC for 2028 Delivery

Japanese shipping giant Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) is set to introduce its first methanol dual-fuel very large crude carrier (VLCC) to its fleet, reinforcing its commitment to cleaner shipping solutions.

The Tokyo-based company has placed an order for the 339.5-meter-long, 309,400-deadweight-ton vessel with Nihon Shipyard (NSY), a joint venture between Imabari Shipbuilding and Japan Marine United.

The design of the vessel stems from a collaboration between NYK, Idemitsu Tanker, Iino Kaiun Kaisha (Iino Lines), and NSY. It features dual-fuel capabilities, allowing it to operate on methanol as well as traditional fuel oil. It is also fitted with a shaft generator that produces electricity by harnessing the rotation of the main propeller shaft—resulting in significant reductions in emissions including CO₂, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

“With its excellent energy efficiency and decarbonisation advancement, the ship will play a leading role in the future decarbonisation of crude oil transport,” NYK said.

The newbuild is expected to be delivered in 2028 and has already been chartered to Idemitsu Tanker.

This follows Iino Lines’ October 2023 order of Japan’s first methanol-capable VLCC, which is slated for delivery in 2027 under a similar charter agreement with Idemitsu.

NYK joins the ranks of global shipowners exploring methanol as an alternative marine fuel. China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) was the first to order methanol dual-fuel VLCCs, contracting a 306,000 dwt vessel from Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co (DSIC) in September 2023, with delivery set for April 2026.