Japan Marine United Delivers Eco-Friendly Tanker
Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU), a prominent shipbuilding company based in Yokohama, has successfully delivered a state-of-the-art Suezmax tanker to Ambroisie Shipping, headquartered in the Marshall Islands. The vessel, named Aesop, was handed over on April 4 at JMU’s Tsu shipyard in Mie Prefecture. This new tanker is designed with advanced environmental features, marking a significant step towards greener shipping practices.
Innovative Features of the Aesop
The Aesop measures 274.3 meters in length, 48 meters in breadth, and has a depth of 23.15 meters, with a gross tonnage of 83,175 GT. It is the first in a new series of tankers focused on enhanced fuel efficiency. JMU has equipped the Aesop with cutting-edge exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCSs), commonly known as scrubbers, which effectively reduce sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions from the ship’s exhaust before they enter the atmosphere.
In addition to its scrubbers, the Aesop meets the stringent Tier III nitrogen oxide (NOx) standards and complies with the Phase 3 requirements of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). These features underscore JMU’s commitment to environmental sustainability in maritime operations.
The tanker is also outfitted with several proprietary technologies aimed at energy conservation. These include the Super Stream Duct, which can reduce energy consumption by approximately 3%, and the Surf-Bulb, designed to enhance propulsive force while cutting energy use by 3-7%. Furthermore, the advanced low viscous resistance fin (ALV-Fin) improves propulsive efficiency and fuel consumption, contributing to the vessel’s overall eco-friendly design.
Additional environmental compliance measures on the Aesop include an electronically controlled main engine, a ballast water treatment system, and an inventory of hazardous materials (IHM), ensuring that the tanker adheres to international environmental standards.
JMU’s Ongoing Commitment to Shipbuilding
2025 has been a productive year for Japan Marine United, with the company delivering at least seven vessels in the first quarter alone. Earlier in February, JMU launched a 211,981 dwt bulk carrier named Mount Anjin for Singapore’s Eastern Pacific Shipping. The following week, the company delivered a liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered dual-fuel dry bulk carrier, SG Twilight, to Tokyo-based Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line).
On February 20, JMU handed over the 181,000 dwt bulker, Sakura Queen, to Green Spanker Shipping. The shipbuilder continued its momentum with March deliveries, including the Mount Yotei, a 211,928 dwt bulk carrier for Eastern Pacific Shipping, and a 12,800 TEU boxship, Maersk el Bosque, for Danish shipping giant A.P. Møller – Maersk. Other notable deliveries included the 3,055 TEU container vessel Interasia Tribute and the 93,691 GT bulker Frontier Hope, commissioned by Southern Route Maritime, a subsidiary of Nissen Kaiun.
As JMU continues to innovate and expand its fleet, the delivery of the Aesop highlights the company’s dedication to environmentally responsible shipbuilding practices.
