Idemitsu Tanker  IINO Kaiun Kaisha, , Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha , and Nihon Shipyard  are pleased to announce that the consortium the companies established on 26 January 2024  for the joint research and development of an eco-friendly very large crude oil carrier has produced a design concept for Japan’s first Malacca Max type VLCC to use methanol as alternative fuel (hereafter, the “Vessel”).

To provide power while sailing, the Vessel will be equipped with a shaft generator  and the latest dual-fuel main engine that can use methanol and heavy oil as fuel. A wind propulsion system will be optional.
As a result, the Vessel can achieve a CO₂ reduction of more than 40% compared to the reference line against the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) regulation , clearing Phase 3 (reduction of more than 30% compared to the reference line), which will apply from 2025.
Methanol is expected to contribute to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction strategy by reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 15% compared to the use of conventional fuel oil. In addition, the use of green methanol, such as bio-methanol produced from biomass and synthetic methanol (e-methanol) produced using hydrogen from renewable energy sources and captured CO₂, makes it possible to reduce CO₂ emissions to net zero.