Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) announced that on October 29, MOL held a joint naming ceremony at CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding, part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), for the world’s first three ammonia-fueled Capesize bulk carriers, which are being jointly developed with the Belgian shipping group CMB.TECH NV.
The vessel features a deadweight tonnage of approximately 209,800 tons, an overall length (LOA) of 299.95 meters, and a breadth of 50.0 meters. It is equipped with an ammonia fuel tank capacity of 3,000 m³ × 2 units, with scheduled deliveries set to begin in early 2027, in phases.
Upon their scheduled delivery, they will be jointly owned by MOL and CMB.TECH. MOL plans to operate the vessels under long-term charter contracts.
With CMB.TECH CEO Alexander Saverys and MOL Managing Executive Officer Kazuhiro Takahashi on hand for the ceremony, along with numerous stakeholders, the three vessels were respectively named the RURI MIRAI, RURI SEKAI, and RURI HIKARI.
As a co-owner and charterer of these vessels, MOL is working closely with internal and external stakeholders to formulate safe operating procedures and develop and establish comprehensive safety measures. These vessels will form MOL’s first net-zero-emission fleet.
Because ammonia does not emit CO2 during combustion, it is attracting attention as one of the next-generation fuels expected to support the decarbonization of the shipping industry. These vessels represent an important milestone toward achieving net-zero emissions.