Japan’s groundbreaking oil tanker sets new standard for green shipping

Proceeding from a latest article, Daily Galaxy describes that Japan is leading the way in maritime innovation with the development of a groundbreaking oil tanker designed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Set to be delivered in 2028, this vessel will be among the largest crude oil carriers globally and the first to run on methanol, a cleaner alternative fuel.

As the shipping industry accounts for nearly 1,000 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually—equivalent to the emissions of a country like Germany—this initiative is gaining global attention. The new Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) will have a deadweight capacity of 310,000 tons, measuring 339.5 meters in length and 60 meters in width. It is specifically designed to navigate the Malacca Strait, a vital and narrow passage linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, ensuring it can continue operating along one of the busiest oil routes between the Middle East and East Asia.

Developed by Japan's Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Line, the VLCC will feature a dual-fuel system that can operate on both heavy fuel oil and methanol. Methanol, which is more environmentally friendly than traditional heavy fuel oil, will allow the vessel to reduce CO₂ emissions by at least 15 per cent, with the potential for reductions up to 40 per cent when using "green" methanol—produced from biomass or synthesized with renewable CO₂ and hydrogen.

Unlike hydrogen or battery-powered systems, methanol can be integrated into existing maritime infrastructure, making it a practical solution for large, long-distance vessels. Additionally, the ship will include a shaft generator to capture energy from the engine and increase operational efficiency by minimizing energy losses.

This record-breaking project, which involves collaboration between NYK Line, Idemitsu Tanker, IINO Kaiun Kaisha, and Nippon Shipyard, is a key part of NYK’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The vessel’s development represents a significant step toward lowering emissions in the maritime industry.

By Naila Huseynova