In a major step toward greener maritime operations, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Kanadevia Corporation, and Yanmar Power Solutions Co., Ltd. have achieved a groundbreaking 98% reduction in methane slip in LNG-fueled vessels.
This milestone was accomplished under the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization’s (NEDO) Green Innovation Fund Project. The initiative, part of the “Development of Next-Generation Vessels,” marks a key advancement in sustainable marine engineering and global emission reduction efforts.
Revolutionary Methane Slip Reduction Technology
The joint project, titled “Development of Methane Slip Reduction Technology for LNG-Fueled Vessels through Catalyst and Engine Improvements,” began in FY2021 and runs through FY2026. Its core objective is to reduce methane slip a form of unburned methane emission that significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) effects by combining methane oxidation catalysts with engine improvement techniques.
Initial land-based tests had already achieved a 93.8% reduction rate, surpassing the original 70% goal and earning certification from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). Building on this success, the team adapted the tested systems for onboard use.
The LNG-fueled vessel REIMEI, operated by MOL, became the first ship to conduct full-scale sea trials on routes between Japan and Australia. The results exceeded expectations with a 98% methane slip reduction rate at 75% engine load, even under fluctuating real-world conditions.
Path Toward Global Implementation
The next phase of the project involves long-term trials through FY2026 to assess system durability and catalyst performance under various maritime conditions. The ultimate goal is to make this technology ready for social implementation by FY2027, making it the world’s first practical methane slip reduction system for vessels.
By advancing this technology, MOL, Kanadevia, and Yanmar Power Solutions aim to significantly curb greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector—an essential step toward achieving international decarbonization targets and contributing to global climate goals.
The collaboration between MOL, Kanadevia, and Yanmar Power Solutions represents a historic leap in maritime sustainability. Achieving a 98% methane slip reduction demonstrates the potential of innovation-driven partnerships to transform environmental challenges into solutions. As trials continue, this technology promises to set a new global standard for eco-friendly LNG vessel operations, reinforcing Japan’s leadership in next-generation green shipping.
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Source: MOL
