Mitsui O.S.K. orders LNG carriers at KHI and MHI

JUNE 29, 2012 — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has signed a long-term contract for two new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers with Kansai Electric Power Inc.  and has concluded contracts to build the ships One will be built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the other by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

The ships are slated for launching in 2016 and 2017. MOL will manage and operate the vessels, with which transport LNG for Kansai Electric Power.

The vessel ordered at Kasasaki is a Moss-type carrier with a 164,700 cu.m cargo tank capacity, based on a new design from Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

With a length of  293.0 m, breadth of 48.90 m and draft of 11.92 m, it will be the largest ship in its class that can pass through the expanded Panama Canal, scheduled for completion in 2014, while maintaining a hull size allowing it to call at major LNG terminals around the world.

The second vessel has a 155,300 cu.m cargo tank capacity, and is one of the Sayaendo series carriers developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, featuring a continuous cover over its four Moss-type spherical tanks. The peapod-shaped continuous cover is integrated with the ship’s hull, achieving weight reduction while maintaining overall hull rigidity. This will increase fuel efficiency.

Both vessels adopt a new steam turbine engine that reuses steam for heating. This will also reduce fuel consumption. They also feature an advanced heat insulation system that offers the lowest LNG vaporization rate – 0.08 percent  – of any LNG carrier in the world.