Scheduled for
delivery in 2030, the vessels will be equipped with the world’s first tri-fuel
propulsion system capable of operating on ethanol, methanol and conventional
heavy fuel oil. The ships will primarily support Vale’s transoceanic iron ore
transportation as part of its shipping decarbonization strategy. The vessels will also feature LNG- and
ammonia-ready designs, along with advanced energy-saving technologies,
providing greater flexibility in adopting lower-emission marine fuels. According to information provided by Vale,
ethanol could potentially reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to
approximately 90% compared with heavy fuel oil. MOL said the project will
contribute to its decarbonization objectives under BLUE ACTION 2035 Phase 2
while helping reduce Vale’s marine transport-related Scope 3 emissions.
MOL will also work
with customers and partners across the fuel supply chain, including fuel
procurement, supply and bunkering, to support the wider adoption of low-carbon
solutions in maritime transportation.