Mitsubishi Shipbuilding secures orders for three methanol-fuelled RORO ships

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has received orders for three additional methanol-fueled roll-on/roll-off (RORO) cargo ships from Toyofuji Shipping (Aichi Prefecture), Miyazaki Sangyo Kaiun (Oita Prefecture), and Nichitoku Kisen (Hiroshima Prefecture).

These vessels will be constructed at the Enoura Plant of MHI’s Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture, with completion and delivery scheduled sequentially from the fiscal year 2028.

Each ship will measure approximately 168 meters in length, 30.2 meters in width, and will have a gross tonnage of 15,750, with a loading capacity for around 2,300 passenger vehicles.

Designed for enhanced fuel efficiency, the ships will feature a bow windscreen and vertical stem to reduce propulsion resistance. MHI’s proprietary energy-saving technology, integrating high-efficiency propellers and low-resistance rudders, will further optimize performance.

The vessels will be powered by high-performance dual-fuel engines capable of operating on both methanol and heavy fuel oil, reducing CO2 emissions per transport unit by more than 20% compared to existing heavy fuel oil-powered ships operated by Toyofuji Shipping. The future adoption of green methanol could further minimize CO2 emissions across the fuel’s lifecycle.

Methanol-fuelled RORO vessels are already in operation globally, and this marks MHI’s second order for coastal RORO ships in Japan, following an earlier contract for two similar vessels in June 2024.

Beyond environmental benefits, the new ships will significantly increase vehicle loading capacity and transport efficiency, allowing for more flexibility in fleet scheduling. This will also contribute to improved working conditions for crew members by securing additional rest and holiday periods.

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