Japanese consortium formed to develop design concepts for eco-friendly VLCCs

Idemitsu Tanker Co.,Ltd., IINO Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. (IINO Lines), Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), and Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. on Tuesday (13 February) announced the establishment of a consortium on 26 January to conduct joint research and development of design concepts (particulars, machinery, and environmental equipment) for Malacca Max type Very Large Crude Oil Carriers (VLCCs) with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Malacca Max type VLCCs are the largest vessel type capable of passing through the Strait of Malacca, a major shipping route of crude oil between Japan and the Middle East.

Aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% or more compared to previous levels, the consortium will combine expertise in the four companies’ respective fields to verify/select the effectiveness of next-generation bunker fuels and environmentally friendly equipment, as well as create design concepts, with a view to ultimately building and operating VLCCs.

In a statement, the parties explained that decarbonisation has become a significant global issue, but a stable supply of crude oil remains essential to the energy needs of Japan, which relies on the Middle East for more than 90% of the nation’s crude oil imports. VLCCs transporting crude oil are thus vital to Japan’s economy. 

“To minimise greenhouse gas emissions generated during transportation, shipping companies are considering switching from conventional fuels to next-generation fuels and installing environmentally friendly equipment, such as Carbon Capture and Storage Systems (CCS), among other measures,” it said.

“To address these issues, Idemitsu Tanker initiated the formation of this consortium by the four companies to study optimal solutions beyond the boundaries of each company.”

Photo credit: NYK
Published: 16 February, 2024