Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Launches Trans Harmony Green, Pioneering LNG-Powered RoRo Ship for Toyofuji Shipping, Marking a Major Milestone in Maritime Sustainability

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), celebrated the christening and launch of Trans Harmony Green, the first of two new LNG-powered roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ships for Toyofuji Shipping. Held at MHI’s Shimonoseki Shipyard on June 7, 2024, the event marked a significant step in maritime sustainability. The 195-meter vessel can transport about 3,000 cars and features dual-fuel engines that reduce CO2 emissions by over 25% and virtually eliminate SOx emissions. Scheduled for handover in January 2025, Trans Harmony Green will operate on Asian routes, contributing to MHI’s goal of a carbon-neutral future.

ERMA FIRST to Provide CCS System for ‘World’s Largest’ LCO2 Carriers

Greek ballast water treatment specialist ERMA FIRST has signed a letter of intent (LoI) with Capital Gas and British engineering company Babcock to install its carbon capture and storage (CCS) system onboard four new liquefied CO2 (LCO2) carriers. The system, CARBON FIT, utilizes proprietary amine absorption technology to capture CO2 from flue gases, which is then liquefied using Babcock LGE’s ecoCO2 system and stored on board. This regenerative loop allows for a CO2 capture rate exceeding 70%, significantly aiding Capital Gas in its decarbonization efforts. ERMA FIRST’s CCS technology holds Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register and DNV, marking a major step towards low-carbon maritime operations. "This project is a breakthrough for both ERMA FIRST and shipping’s journey towards low-carbon operations," stated Konstantinos Stampedakis, Co-Founder & Managing Director of ERMA FIRST.

Hyundai Glovis Orders Six Dual-Fuel LNG Car Carriers in China

South Korean logistics company Hyundai Glovis, part of the Hyundai Motor Group, has placed an order for six 10,800 CEU LNG dual-fuel pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) with Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). The contract, signed in mid-May 2024, involves vessels jointly developed by GSI and the Shanghai Ship Design Institute, claimed to be the worlds largest dual-fuel car carriers. This order is part of a larger batch of 10,000 CEU dual-fuel car carriers to be built by GSI for Hyundai Glovis. The demand for green and eco-friendly shipping has surged in recent years, with Chinese shipbuilders securing over 100 orders in the car carrier segment. In 2023, Chinese shipyards captured 97.7% of global car carrier orders, highlighting their dominance in the market. Early 2024 also saw BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, take delivery of its first dual-fuel car carrier, BYD Explorer No.1, marking a significant milestone in Chinas domestic car transport.

171-Meter Prysmian Cable Layer Steps Closer to Delivery with Launch at VARD

Norwegian ship designer and builder VARD has launched Prysmian’s new 171-meter cable laying vessel (CLV) Monna Lisa, a sister ship to Leonardo da Vinci, marking a significant step toward its 2025 delivery. Following steel cutting, keel laying, generator installation, and hull erection, the Monna Lisa was moved from the erection dock to a launching barge, submerged for its first float, and prepared for wet towage. The vessel is now on a month-long journey from Romania to Norway for outfitting, commissioning, and trials at VARDs Søvik shipyard. Prysmians New Building Vessel Manager, Davide Leoni, emphasized the vessels advanced green technologies, including high-voltage shore connections, a 3MWh energy storage system, and biodiesel-ready generators. Monna Lisa will join Prysmian’s fleet as the first of three new vessels in their expansion program, equipped with two high-capacity carousels and designed to enhance sustainability and performance in cable laying operations.