The Tokyo-based Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has yesterday conducted the naming and launching ceremony for the Japan’s first hybrid passenger ship, which was named “HANARIA”.
The hybrid passenger ship “HANARIA” which utilizes hydrogen and biodiesel as fuels will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 53%-100% compared to conventional fossil fuels vessels, as the company says.
The passenger ship will be introducing a system that would be the first case in Japan, and it allows the selection of any of operating modes: hydrogen fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, and biodiesel fuel.
The vessel was ordered by MOL Group company MOTENA-Sea, Ltd. and is under construction at the Hongawara Ship Yard Co., with scheduled delivery in March 2024 and with expected start of its service in the Fukuoka Prefecture in April 2024.
