Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a Group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) based in Yokohama, held a christening ceremony for a next-generation LNG (liquefied natural gas) carrier under construction for Trans Pacific Shipping 5 Ltd., a joint venture of JERA Co., Inc. (JERA) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL). The new ship, named NOHSHU MARU, is the fourth vessel of the latest model “Sayaringo STaGE” type, featuring significant improvements in both LNG carrying capacity and fuel performance due to the adoption of a more efficient hull structure and an innovative hybrid propulsion system. Completion and delivery is scheduled for February 2019, after which the NOHSHU MARU will be put into service, transporting LNG for the Freeport LNG Project in the U.S. state of Texas (in which JERA is participating), among other ventures.
The NOHSHU MARU has a length of 297.5m, width of 48.94m, and depth of 27.0m, with a draft of 11.1m. Deadweight tonnage is approximately 80,300 tons, with total tank holding capacity of 180,000m3. Launching took place on October 9, 2017. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding received the order for the new vessel from the owner, Trans Pacific Shipping 5 Ltd ., through MI LNG Company, Limited, a joint venture for the design and sale of LNG carriers established by MHI and Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Construction was managed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Structure Co., Ltd., an MHI Group company based in Nagasaki. The vessel’s name is derived from the old provincial name for the southern region of Gifu Prefecture, one of the areas served by Chubu Electric Power.