MOL, TotalEnergies ink charter deal for LPG-powered LPG carrier duo

Japanese shipping heavyweight Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), through its group company MOL Energia, has signed a time charter contract for two liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) dual-fuel very large gas carriers (VLGCs) with a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, CSSA Chartering and Shipping Services (CSSA).

As informed, the vessels will be built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in South Korea. They will have a length of 230 meters, a breadth of 32 meters, and a cargo tank capacity of 88,000 cbm. The ships are scheduled for delivery in 2026.

The dual-fuel vessel can run on either LPG or conventional heavy oil. When LPG is used as fuel, CO₂ emissions can be reduced by about 20% and sulfur oxides (SOx,) particulate matter (PM), and so on by about 90% compared to heavy oil, according to MOL.

In addition, the specifications allow for the transport of ammonia as well as LPG. Ammonia, which emits no carbon dioxide during combustion, is expected to increase in demand in the future as a next-generation clean energy source.

“MOL has built a strong relationship with TotalEnergies in many fields, including the transport of marine fuel oil and long-term charter contracts for LNG carriers and LNG bunkering vessels. It will build an even stronger partnership with TotalEnergies through the conclusion of this charter contract,” MOL said.

Last month, MOL’s Aramo Shipping took delivery of a liquefied petroleum gas dual-fuel LPG/ammonia carrier from compatriot shipyard Namura Shipbuilding.