Signing LNG Supply Basic Agreement for 2 New LNG-Fueled Ferries on Oarai-Tomakomai Route
- Further Promotion of LNG-Fueled Ferries for Low-Carbonization of Marine Fuel -

January 06, 2023

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
MOL Ferry Co., Ltd.
Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd.
Hokkaido Gas Co., Ltd.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), MOL Ferry Co., Ltd. (MOL Ferry), Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX) and Hokkaido Gas Co., Ltd. (Hokkaido Gas) today jointly announce that basic agreements were signed between MOL and JAPEX, and between MOL and Hokkaido Gas for supply of LNG fuel to two newbuilding LNG-fueled ferries (Note 1) in each port on the Oarai-Tomakomai route operated by MOL Group company MOL Ferry.

The LNG fuel supply is scheduled to start in 2025, when the ferries will enter service. JAPEX will supply LNG fuel to the ferries at the Port of Oarai in Ibaraki Prefecture, and Hokkaido Gas will supply it at the Port of Tomakomai in Hokkaido respectively through the Truck to Ship method (Note 2). The LNG supply system uses a skid that connects the vessel to four tanker trucks simultaneously. This speeds up the bunkering process, allowing the ferries to take on sufficient fuel even during their limited time in berth.

LNG fuel reduces carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by about 25% compared to conventional fuel oil and is currently a viable measure for low-carbonization of marine fuel. The four companies will lead to promote LNG as marine fuel in Japan and contribute to reducing the environmental impact.

(Note 1) Please refer to the following related press release.
February 17, 2022: MOL and MOL Ferry to Build 2 Cutting-edge LNG-powered Ferries - Introducing Super Eco Ferries Adopting Wind Power: Responding to Accelerating Modal Shift -

(Note 2) One of the methods of supplying LNG to vessels. LNG is supplied to an LNG-fueled vessel at berth from tank trucks parked on the wharf.

(Note 3) The location of LNG tank, the shape of skid and others in this image are different from those of the 2 new LNG-fueled ferry.

[Company outline]