MOL strengthens fleet with 5 LNG-fueled newbuilds

Japanese shipping major Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is expanding its fleet with five additional newbuilding LNG dual-fueled Capesize bulkers.

Namely, MOL revealed that two vessels will be ordered at compatriot Nihon Shipyard and built by Imabari Shipbuilding Co.

Furthermore, Chinese shipbuilding heavyweight CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Co will build the additional three. The vessels are slated for delivery from 2026 to 2027.

With these five newbuilds, MOL will have a total of 13 LNG-fueled Capesize bulkers in its fleet. Among them, MOL has been operating one vessel since March 2023 and has supplied LNG fuel to it.

Specifically, in November MOL took delivery of LNG-powered coal carrier Reimei. The vessel, built by Namura Shipbuilding, is operated by MOL to transport coal from overseas to Kyuden’s coal-fired thermal power plants. The duo signed a long-term transport agreement back in 2019.