(Tokyo / Japan) – The Japanese shipping company Mitsui OSK Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has launched the hybrid passenger ship "Hanaria" in the port city of Kitakyushu on the northern tip of the Japanese island of Kyushu. It can run on both hydrogen and biodiesel.
The ship can accommodate 100 passengers. © Motena Sea Ltd.
The 33 meter wide and ten meter long vessel was built by Hongawara Ship Yard Co., Ltd. for Motena Sea Ltd. built, part of the MOL Group, which operates around 100 container ships worldwide.
The 2,5 tonne “GH240FC” hydrogen fuel cell system for maritime use was developed by the ship engine and machine manufacturer Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd. designed. It consists of two units of 240 kilowatts each. According to MOL, greenhouse gases would be saved by between 53 and 100 percent compared to conventional ships in this class - depending on the operating mode.
There is an event room on board with a 98-inch monitor. © Motena Sea Ltd.
The ship can accommodate 100 people. The accessible passenger compartment on Deck 1 with its panoramic windows has a large 98-inch monitor and a projector at the front. In addition to pure passenger operations, the shipping company hopes that it will be actively used as an exceptional location for events, such as corporate events and conferences, but also for training courses. It is also suitable as a passenger ferry to offshore wind farms and for tours.
The MOL Group aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 by introducing environmentally friendly fuels.
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The “Hanaria” can be operated with both hydrogen and biodiesel. © Motena Sea Ltd.
