Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), a prominent Japanese shipping company, has announced the commencement of service for the Hanaria, a hydrogen and biofuel hybrid passenger ship, in Kitakyushu.
Hanaria was constructed at Hongawara Ship Yard for MOL’s subsidiary MOTENA-Sea, with support from MOL Techno-Trade.
According to MOL, this vessel is Japan’s inaugural passenger ship capable of utilizing various propulsion sources, including hydrogen fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, and biodiesel fuel.
With these advancements, MOL anticipates reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 53%-100% compared to conventional fossil-fueled vessels of similar size.
The first-floor passenger cabin of the ship boasts a spacious 98-inch display screen and projector at the front, offering diverse applications beyond transportation, such as hosting events, promoting environmental education, and serving as a venue for international conferences.
MOL intends to advance the deployment of next-generation fuel vessels like this initiative, contributing to the realization of a low-carbon, decarbonized society through comprehensive group-wide endeavors.
Recently, MOL collaborated with Australian energy leader Woodside and South Korea’s HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and Hyundai Glovis to explore solutions for bulk marine transportation of liquid hydrogen.
In this partnership, MOL will contribute operational insights for vessel design, encompassing logistics, propulsion, storage, and cargo handling.
