Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL), a Japanese shipping company, has announced the successful completion of the first-ever test sailing of a ship powered by fuel derived from cow manure.
The test was conducted on the 7,800 deadweight tonnage (dwt) vessel named “ISE MIRAI.” Measuring 390 feet in length, the ship currently operates as a bulker in Japan’s coastal trade. Notably, the vessel holds the distinction of being the first LNG-powered ocean-going cargo vessel built in Japan. It was constructed as part of a government-sponsored program to enhance the efficiency of LNG-fueled engines and supply systems and was put into service in 2020.
MOL has collaborated with several other companies on this project, including Air Water Inc., Techno Chubu Company, Kyoudou Kaiun Co., MOL Coastal Shipping, Cenergy Co., IHI Power Systems Co., and the Japanese shipper JERA.
The initiative to test the viability of methane derived from cow manure as marine fuel was announced in February 2023. The liquefied biomethane used in the test was produced by a company called Air Water Inc.
In this innovative approach, methane obtained from cow manure serves as the fuel source. Bio-methane derived from such sources avoids increasing CO2 emissions and can be readily utilized within the existing LNG supply infrastructure. The gas is extracted from biogas plants owned by dairy farms, then liquefied at a temperature of -160 degrees Celsius. The methane can be compressed to 1/600th of its original volume, enabling efficient transportation for large-scale use.
MOL has reported that they anticipate reducing their emissions by approximately 25% compared to conventional fuels and expect even further emissions reduction when they begin using liquefied biomethane.
The opinions expressed herein are the author’s and not necessarily those of News2Sea.
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