MOL names Japan’s first LNG-fueled tugboat

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) on Friday launched and named its LNG-fueled tugboat, built at Kanagawa Dockyard.

The tugboat named Ishin is slated for delivery in February 2019 after the completion of outfitting work, MOL said in its statement

The company said Ishin will be the first LNG-fueled tugboat serving Osaka Bay starting in April, and is the first LNG-fueled tug the company owns.

Powered by Yanmar’s two dual-fuel marine engines 6EY26DF with the ability to use both fuel oil and LNG. In a series of firsts, it will be the first LNG-fueled tugboat in Japan conforming to the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).

Ishin will be operated by Nihon Tug-Boat and LNG fuel will be supplied by Osaka Gas using a truck-to-ship system.

MOL and Osaka Gas will establish an LNG fuel supply system for vessels in Sakai Senboku Port, which will be the first in Osaka Bay.