MOL Expands Bio-LNG Fuel Supply for Car Carriers to Mediterranean Region in Europe

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has signed a new term contract with Axpo for the supply of bio-LNG in the Mediterranean, aiming to expand the use of this fuel in its LNG-powered car carriers.

Following a bio-LNG supply contract that began in March of last year in Northwestern Europe (Port of Zeebrugge, Belgium), this new agreement makes bio-LNG fuel available for MOL's car carriers in the Mediterranean region, specifically at the ports of Malaga and Barcelona in Spain.

Bio-LNG fuel is produced by liquefying methane generated from biomass, such as livestock manure and food waste. It is a readily available clean fuel that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on a life-cycle basis while utilizing existing LNG fuel supply infrastructure.

The bio-LNG supplied under this contract has a carbon intensity of -15g-CO2/MJ or less on a life-cycle basis from production to consumption. For every ton of conventional heavy fuel oil replaced with this bio-LNG, a reduction of approximately 4.5 tons of CO2 emissions can be achieved. The fuel is also certified under the ISCC-EU (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification).

This supply agreement establishes a system for the continuous and stable supply of bio-LNG fuel in Europe, as part of MOL's initiative to introduce alternative fuels—a key action in the 'MOL Group Environmental Vision.' The company is promoting the transition to carbon-neutral fuels like bio-LNG and synthetic LNG (e-methane), using LNG-fueled ships as a bridge solution.

MOL will continue to accelerate its efforts to reduce GHG emissions by expanding the geographical and quantitative use of bio-LNG fuel, contribute to the construction of a clean fuel supply chain, and lead the maritime industry's efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. The company also plans to actively promote the introduction of a variety of next-generation fuels such as biofuels, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen.