- IINO Lines has received its first dual-fuel very large ethane carrier, Iino Ineos Vestá, built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
- The vessel is chartered to INEOS Europe AG, expanding its ethane fleet to 18 ships, the largest worldwide.
- The delivery marks IINO’s entry into the VLEC market and supports its carbon neutrality strategy by 2050.
- IINO Lines continues to invest in alternative fuels, including methanol, LPG, ammonia-ready ships, and new bunkering partnerships.
Japanese shipping company IINO Kaiun Kaisha (IINO Lines) has taken delivery of its first dual-fuel very large ethane carrier (VLEC), the Iino Ineos Vestá, built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The vessel will operate under charter for INEOS Europe AG, supporting the company’s growing ethane fleet. According to Offshore Energy, this marks IINO Lines’ entry into the VLEC segment and a step toward its long-term carbon neutrality goals.
IINO Lines Expands Alternative Fuel Strategy
Delivered on September 8, the Iino Ineos Vestá measures 229.97 meters in length, 36.63 meters in beam, and carries 60,637 gross tons under the Liberian flag. With a 99,000 cbm capacity and dual-fuel propulsion system, the vessel is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions more significantly compared to conventional heavy fuel oil units. INEOS Europe AG chartered two VLECs under an agreement signed in November 2022, with the second vessel scheduled for delivery next year, boosting the company’s ethane fleet to 18 ships — the largest of its kind globally.
The delivery also represents IINO Lines’ first step into the very large ethane carrier market, aligning with its sustainability-focused mid-term plan targeting carbon neutrality by 2050. In recent years, the company has added dual-fuel ships powered by methanol and liquefied petroleum gas, along with ammonia-ready designs to accommodate future clean fuel use. Notably, in October 2024, IINO Lines partnered with NYK Line, Idemitsu Tankers, and Nihon Shipyard to unveil Japan’s first methanol-fueled Malacca Max very large crude carrier concept, equipped with a shaft generator, dual-fuel main engine, and optional wind propulsion.
In June 2025, IINO Lines further broadened its alternative fuels focus through a memorandum of understanding with Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in methanol, ammonia, and LNG bunkering, building on an established partnership in the marine energy sector.
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Source: Offshore Energy
