Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) is contracting Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering (DACKS) to build an LNG dual-fuelled VLCC which will then go on long-term charter to Idemitsu Tanker. The newbuild, due for delivery in 2027, will be the first dual-fuel VLCC to be chartered to a Japanese oil company. No price has been revealed for the 309,000 dwt tanker order.
MOL already has 40 LNG dual-fuel ships in its fleet including six VLCCs.
“By entering this long-term time charter contract with Idemitsu Tanker, MOL seeks to spearhead the broader adoption of LNG fuels and contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the shipping industry,” the Japanese shipowner said in a release.