Japanese owner and operator Idemitsu Tanker has contracted to build two methanol dual-fuel VLCCs. The 339.5 m long, 309,400 dwt vessels are developed together with Japanese shipping lines Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), Iino Kaiun Kaisha (Iino Lines) and Nihon Shipyard (NSY), a joint venture between Imabari Shipbuilding and Japan Marine United. The units, costing about $135m each, are scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029, Idemitsu said, adding that in addition to the dual-fuel main engine and a shaft generator, they feature two rotor sails – a world-first for a VLCC. Last October, Iino Lines became the first Japanese shipowner to order a supertanker that can run on methanol. This was followed by NYK ordering another methanol-dual unit based on the same concept design. The ships are set to deliver in 2027 and 2028, respectively, and go on a charter contract with Idemitsu Tanker. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1_95_0_1_2'); }); TagsJapan Methanol