LNG-fueled Panamax Coal Carrier Reimei Commences Operation

November 14, 2023

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. (Kyuden) today announced a Panamax coal carrier that uses low environmental impact LNG as its main fuel was delivered and started operation on November 14. In a naming and delivery ceremony held at the Imari Shipyard and Works of Namura Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (President: Kensuke Namura; Headquarters: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture), the new vessel was named Reimei (Note 1).

The Reimei, a large LNG-fueled coal carrier, is operated by MOL to transport coal from overseas to Kyuden's coal-fired thermal power plants. Compared to conventional marine fuel, LNG can reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO2) by about 30%, sulfur oxides (SOx) by about 100%, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by about 80%.

The Reimei departed from Imari Port on November 14 for shore-to-ship bunkering at Tobata Port in Fukuoka Prefecture on November 15, where it will receive fuel directly from the onshore LNG shipping terminal. In the future, ship-to-ship bunkering from an LNG bunkering vessel can also be adopted as a way for the vessel to receive fuel.

MOL and Kyuden proactively work to ensure both continued, reliable transport of energy resources and reduction of environmental impact.

(Note 1) Origin of Reimei: It is derived from 'Reihoku' of Kyuden's Reihoku power plant (coal-fired power plant) and 'Dawn'. It hopes to start safe operation and illuminate the future of the shipping.

(Note 2) A long-term transport agreement between MOL and Kyuden was concluded on December 25, 2019.

Outline of the vessel
Ship name: Reimei
Ship operator: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
LOA: 234.92m
Breadth: 38.0m
DWT: 95,792MT
Delivery year: 2023
Shipyard: Namura Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Ship registry: Liberia

Company overviews



LNG-fueled Panamax coal carrier Reimei.   Image by MOL.


LNG-fueled Panamax coal carrier Reimei.   Image by MOL.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. press release