Mitsui O.S.K. Lines in Japan announced plans to equip its next generation of very large crude carriers (VLCCs) with double-hull fuel tanks to reduce the risk of fuel leakage.
MOL plans to introduce the technology on four VLCCs slated for launching in 2005, and continue adopting on newly built tankers in the future. The move is part of MOL's ongoing group-wide effort to protect the marine environment.
The name of the new vessel is to be announced but is scheduled for completion: in December 2005
Two vessels will be built at Mitsui Engineering and two at Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation.
Main dimensions are approximately. 315,000 deadweight tons; length: Approx. 333m; width: 60m
The double-hull structure incorporates an empty tank (it may be designed for use as a ballast water tank) located outside of the fuel tank. This reduces the risk of fuel leaking into the ocean if the outer hull is damaged by grounding or a collision with another vessel.
MOL carefully studied the capacity and location of the fuel tank with both Mitsui Engineering Shipbuilding and Kawasaki Shipbuilding. The new design offers the same fuel capacity as conventional vessels, even with the empty space between the tank walls. In addition, the design allows the same cargo tank capacity as conventional vessels.
