Orders pile up for methanol-fuelled roros in Japan

Japan’s Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has secured more methanol-powered roro orders from compatriot shipping companies.

The shipbuilding unit of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is set to build three ships for Toyofuji Shipping, Miyazaki Sangyo Kaiun and Nichitoku Kisen, with delivery expected in fiscal 2028.

The new orders follow two similar newbuilds Toyofuji Shipping and Fukuju Shipping booked last June for delivery in 2027 and claimed to be Japan’s first methanol-fuelled ships in this class.

The 168-m-long vessels will be fit to carry 2,300 passenger vehicles and achieve a maximum speed of 21 knots.

The ships will be deployed domestically and feature a high-performance dual-fuel engine that can use both methanol and heavy fuel oil, with expected CO2 emissions reduction per transport unit by more than 20% compared to ships currently operated and owned by Toyofuji Shipping, the shipbuilder said.