Japanese trio reaches 98% methane slip cut on LNG-fueled vessels

Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), and compatriot Kanadevia Corporation and Yanmar Power Solutions, part of diesel engine and machinery manufacturer Yanmar Holdings, have accomplished a ‘tremendous’ methane slip reduction from vessels powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) during recent onboard trials.

As disclosed, the three partners have managed to achieve a 98% methane slip slash during an effort governed under the Green Innovation Fund Project called “Development of next-generation vessels”. The initiative was reportedly led by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

Through this endeavor, MOL, Kanadevia and Yanmar Power Solutions will work to set up methane slip reduction technology at an early stage and actively contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector, the maritime transport company has said.

According to representatives from MOL, the three partners have specifically been working on a project named “Development of methane slip reduction technology for LNG-fueled vessels through catalyst and engine improvements”, as a part of which full-scale demonstration trials began in May 2025.

The routes that the endeavor examined were primarily between Japan and Australia, MOL said.

Per MOL, the project—encompassing