In a bold move toward reducing maritime emissions, Japan is preparing to launch one of the world’s largest and most environmentally-conscious oil tankers. Scheduled for delivery in 2028, the ship will be a game-changer, both for the shipping industry and for global efforts to curb CO₂ emissions. According to Interesting Engineering, this impressive vessel, designed with cutting-edge technology, will set new records for size and fuel efficiency, all while using an unexpected alternative fuel source.
A colossal design for strategic routes
At 339.5 meters long and 60 meters wide, the tanker will be classified as a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), the largest category of oil tankers. The vessel’s design caters specifically to the narrow Malacca Strait, a crucial maritime passage connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
This area is known for its heavy shipping traffic, particularly oil trade between the Middle East and East Asia. To navigate this vital route effectively, the tanker will meet the “Malacca Max” sizing standard, ensuring its suitability for one of the busiest and most important oil trade routes in the world.
Methanol: a cleaner alternative to heavy fuel oil
Unlike conventional oil tankers, which rely on heavy fuel oil—a low-cost but highly polluting fuel—the new Japanese tanker will operate on methanol, a cleaner-burning alternative. Methanol has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions by at least 15%, and even more—up to 40%—if “green” methanol is used.
This form of methanol is produced from biomass or synthesized using captured CO₂ and renewable hydrogen, making it a more sustainable choice. The adoption of methanol is part of a broader push to reduce the environmental footprint of shipping, an industry responsible for nearly 1,000 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
Cutting-edge technology for efficiency
The tanker’s design goes beyond fuel choice. It will feature a dual-fuel system, enabling it to operate on both heavy fuel oil and methanol. Additionally, it will incorporate a shaft generator, a system that captures mechanical energy from the engine’s rotation and redirects it to the propulsion system. This technology reduces energy losses during operation, boosting the ship’s overall efficiency. With these innovations, the vessel will not only be one of the largest ever built but also one of the most energy-efficient oil tankers in operation.
A Japanese collaboration for a sustainable future
This ambitious project is the result of a collaborative effort among some of Japan’s biggest maritime and shipping companies. The tanker is being developed by Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Line, in partnership with Idemitsu Tanker, IINO Kaiun Kaisha, and Nippon Shipyard. The collaboration began in January 2024, with the ship’s design unveiled in October of the same year. Once launched, the vessel will be operated under a long-term charter agreement with Idemitsu Tanker, ensuring its immediate use and economic viability.
The project aligns with NYK’s broader commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, signaling Japan’s leadership in the quest for greener shipping. Given the challenges of electrifying long-distance shipping, this initiative offers a practical and scalable solution for cutting emissions in the immediate future, while furthering Japan’s ambition to lead in sustainable maritime practices.
AloJapan.com