MOL Signs 1st Annual LNG Bunkering Deal for Car Carriers on U.S. West Coast- Expanding Stable LNG Fuel Supply Volumes and Areas

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has officially signed its first annual LNG bunkering agreement with Seaspan Energy Ltd. to support car carrier operations at the Port of Vancouver, Canada. This strategic milestone, marked by the inaugural bunkering operation on April 29, signifies a major expansion in stable LNG fuel supply chains across the U.S. West Coast. By securing this long-term supply, MOL enhances its operational efficiency and environmental commitment for its fleet of LNG-fueled vessels navigating North American maritime trade routes.

The transition to LNG as a primary marine fuel is strictly governed by the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), which complements the structural and safety requirements outlined in SOLAS Chapter II-1. Furthermore, compliance with MARPOL Annex VI remains critical, as vessels must adhere to stringent sulfur emission limits and greenhouse gas reduction targets. For shipping companies and compliance departments, maintaining rigorous bunkering protocols and bunkering safety zones is essential to ensure regulatory alignment with international classification society standards and regional port authority environmental mandates.

This shift toward LNG propulsion directly impacts the daily responsibilities of chief engineers and second engineers. These officers must now prioritize specialized training in cryogenic fuel handling, gas detection systems, and emergency shutdown procedures specific to LNG bunkering. Mastering the technical nuances of the fuel gas supply system (FGSS) and maintaining detailed bunkering logs are now mandatory competencies for engine room personnel operating modern, eco-friendly car carriers in the North American region.