Kyushu Partners with MOL, NYK for LNG-Fuelled Coal Carriers

Japanese utility Kyushu Electric Power has inked long term transport agreements with Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) to deploy LNG-fuelled large coal carriers, the three companies said in a joint statement published December 25.

According to the statement, the vessels are expected to become the world's first LNG-fuelled large coal carriers, under the operation of NYK and MOL, to import coal to Kyuden's coal-fired power plants. NYK and MOL will each operate one carrier. The NYK-operated 95,000-dwt carrier is being built by Oshima Shipbuilding, scheduled for delivery in April 2023, while the MOL-operated vessel, of a similar size, is being built by Namura Shipbuilding and will be delivered in June 2023.

The LNG procured for Kyuden's thermal power plants will be supplied to the vessels as fuel at the loading facility of Kitakyushu Liquefied Natural Gas Co., a 75% owned subsidiary of Kyuden.

“The three companies contribute to the realisation of a low carbon society by implementation of LNG as an environment friendly fuel which effectively reduces carbon emissions from marine transport. NYK, MOL, and Kyuden aim to positively collaborate for sustainable marine transportation of coal, with the reduction of its environmental impact,” the companies said.