M.V. Shoyo – the world’s first LNG fueled coal carrier
In early October this year, Japan’s NYK Line and Kyushu Electric Power Co. took delivery of the LNG powered Panamax class coal carrier M.V. Shoyo. NYK Line built the vessel under a long term contract to employ her primarily in supply Kyushu Electric’s coal-fired power plants in Japan.
Built by Koyagi, Oshima Shipyard
Owned and operated by NYK Line
LOA 235.0 m
Beam 38.0 m
GRT: 95,233 tons
Deadweight 95,233 MT
Shipyard: Oshima Shipyard
Registered in Japan
Before heading to Newcastle NSW for her first cargo, initial LNG bunkering was conducted at the port of Tobata in a shore-to-ship operation, the first such operation for a deep sea LNG-fueled vessel in Japan. However, beginning in March 2024, a new build LNG-fueled bunkering vessel is scheduled to bunker LNG fuel through direct ship-to-ship transfer.
In 2022, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) transferred the shipbuilding area of the Koyagi Plant at Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works to compatriot Oshima Shipbuilding. Mitsubishi agreed to sell the yard to Oshima in an effort to boost liquidity as Japanese shipbuilders try to combat heavy competition from South Korean and Chinese shipbuilders for global orders.
For its’s part, following establishment in 1973, Oshima Shipbuilding has expanded to become one of the world’s top bulk carrier construction shipyards and the company now accounts for around 25% of bulk carrier construction in Japan, including a portfolio of dual-fuel vessels. The yard has confirmed a contract to build two more LNG-fueled coal carriers for NYK with an anticipated completion date of 2025 and is also working on the development of next-generation fuel ships including an ammonia-fueled vessel.
Courtesy Oshima Shipyard
According to an NYK press release, the name Shoyo was inspired by a sunset from the Tsuchiya terraced rice fields in the city of Matsuura where Kyuden’s coal-fired power plant is located. Shoyo literally means “brighten”.
Feature Image Courtesy: Oshima Shipyard