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November 12, 2004
MOL Decides to Build 10 New Car Carriers
TOKYO - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL,
President:
Akimitsu Ashida) today announced that
the
company decided to build 10 large car
carriers
that will be delivered from 2007 to
2009.
The new construction plan follows a series
of six carriers delivered in 2003 and 12
carriers delivered between 2004 and 2006.
In all, MOL will have a series of 28 of the
same class of carriers.
Like the 12 carriers now being delivered
or under construction, the 10 newest
vessels
will offer the most advanced features
to
improve environmental friendliness,
loading/discharging
efficiency, and safety. For example
;
・An established wind resistance-reducing
design patented by MOL and Universal Shipbuilding
Corporation, will save energy and reduce
emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxides
by about 6%.
・A new cylinder injection system for main
engine lubricating oil will reduce consumption
of the oil and cut PM (particulate matter)
emissions by about 30%.
・The double-hulled fuel tank significantly
reduces the risk of fuel oil spills.
・To dramatically improve loading/discharge
efficiency, all the new carriers will feature
movable jumping slopes for vehicles and improved
deck layout.
MOL car carrier construction plan:
| Delivery |
2007 - 2009 |
| Candidate Shipyards |
Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.,
Shin Kurushima Dockyard Co., Ltd. |
| Capacity |
6,400 units (standard passenger cars) |
| Speed |
20 knots |
| Others |
Number of Car decks: 12 (Two decks are adjustable;
All decks can accommodate tall
vehicles)
Ramp Capacity : max. 100 tons |
MOL's future approaches
MOL aims to expand its car carrier fleet
to meet increasing demand. The company forecasts
steady growth in worldwide trade volume.
The fleet of MOL-operated or -owned car carriers
will increase from the current 74 to over
90 in 2009. At the same time, the company
will dispose aged vessels or re-deliver them
to their owners, while launching a succession
of new ships. MOL is creating a fleet structure
that can precisely meet the market needs,
ensuring that appropriate size of carriers
are available for every trade.
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