(Commonwealth_ Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has launched an innovative, eco-friendly multi-purpose cargo ship that sets new standards in sustainability for the shipping industry. The vessel, named Prima Verde meaning “first spring” or “green” in Italian features a range of groundbreaking environmental technologies, marking it as a milestone in the push towards greener shipping solutions.
The Onomichi Dockyard in Japan built Prima Verde, which it launched on October 17. Despite being a smaller vessel, with a deadweight tonnage (dwt) of 17,500 and a length of 426 feet (130 meters), it boasts several features aimed at reducing its environmental impact. The bright green paint on the vessel’s hull highlights its dedication to environmental sustainability. Registered in Liberia, Prima Verde will operate for MOL Drybulk and serve as a versatile “multi-purpose vessel” capable of transporting a wide range of goods, including steel products, construction machinery, heavy machinery, plants, railroad vehicles, and bulk cargoes.
One of the key innovations of Prima Verde is its use of green steel in its hull construction. MOL partnered with JFE Steel Corporation, a major player in the steel industry, to supply JGreeX, a green steel material that significantly reduces CO2 emissions during production. Green steel represents a significant breakthrough in sustainable shipbuilding, as it helps lower the carbon footprint associated with steel manufacturing, a process that traditionally generates a large amount of CO2 emissions.
Japan Engine Corporation builds a highly efficient engine for Prima Verde in addition to green steel. Japan Engine Corporation exclusively designs this engine to run on marine gas oil (MGO), a cleaner fuel alternative to traditional heavy fuel oil. The engine’s high combustion efficiency results in lower carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to the vessel’s overall sustainability.
To further enhance the vessel’s fuel efficiency and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, Prima Verde is equipped with two VentoFoil wind propulsion devices from Econowind. These devices harness wind energy to assist in the vessel’s propulsion, helping to reduce fuel consumption and lower the ship’s overall environmental impact. Wind-assisted propulsion systems are an emerging technology in the maritime industry, and Prima Verde is one of the first vessels to incorporate this technology, making it a leader in sustainable shipping practices.
The combination of these innovations makes Prima Verde the world’s first vessel to utilize green steel materials, a specialized engine that runs on MGO, and a wind-assisted propulsion system. These features work together to reduce the vessel’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing to MOL’s broader sustainability goals.
MOL’s commitment to sustainability is part of its strategic plan to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. The introduction of Prima Verde is a critical step in this journey, demonstrating the company’s dedication to integrating environmentally friendly technologies into its fleet. By incorporating such advanced technologies, MOL aims to not only reduce its own environmental impact but also to set an example for the shipping industry as a whole, encouraging other companies to adopt similar practices.
The environmental benefits of Prima Verde extend beyond the ship itself. The vessel is a part of MOL’s ongoing efforts to promote the use of clean energy in the maritime sector. By incorporating wind-assisted propulsion and green steel, MOL is helping to pave the way for a more sustainable future in shipping, where environmental considerations play a central role in vessel design and operation.
As the global shipping industry continues to face mounting pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and adopt more sustainable practices, Prima Verde represents a beacon of innovation and progress. With its blend of green technologies, including green steel, MGO-powered engines, and wind-assisted propulsion, the vessel sets a new benchmark for environmentally friendly cargo transport.
MOL’s decision to build and launch Prima Verde underscores the company’s commitment to achieving its ambitious environmental goals while simultaneously advancing the shipping industry toward a greener and more sustainable future. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like Prima Verde provide hope that the maritime sector can play a vital role in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a more sustainable economy.
