Japan Marine United Delivers Three Eco-Friendly Vessels
Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU), a prominent shipbuilder based in Yokohama, has successfully completed the first quarter of 2025 with the delivery of two eco-friendly boxships and one bulk carrier. The deliveries, which include significant vessels for major shipping companies, underscore JMU’s commitment to sustainable maritime solutions. The latest additions to their fleet feature advanced technologies aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Notable Deliveries and Innovations
On March 19, JMU delivered the Maersk el Bosque, a 12,800 TEU containership, to Danish shipping giant A.P. Møller – Maersk at the Kure Shipyard in Hiroshima. This vessel measures 335 meters in length, 51 meters in breadth, and has a gross tonnage of 127,814. Notably, Maersk el Bosque is designed to operate on methanol, having received the NK Fuel Ready (MA FR(C)) notation. The ship is equipped with several innovative features aimed at improving energy efficiency, including JMU’s proprietary Surf-Bulb, which enhances propulsion efficiency and reduces energy consumption by 3-7%. Additionally, the vessel incorporates the ALV-Fin for better propulsive force and lower fuel consumption, along with the Twisted Rupas rudder design that optimizes lift while minimizing resistance.
Moreover, Maersk el Bosque is fitted with exhaust gas cleaning systems, known as scrubbers, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental regulations, including NOx Tier III guidelines. The vessel also utilizes Alternative Maritime Shore Power (AMSP), allowing it to operate on shore power during cargo operations, further reducing its carbon footprint.
Following this delivery, on March 26, JMU handed over the Interasia Tribute, a 3,055 TEU container vessel, to Interasia Lines at the Kure Shipyard. This ship, measuring 203.5 meters in length and 34.8 meters in breadth, is designed to meet the growing demand for maritime transport in Asia. It features similar energy-efficient technologies as the Maersk el Bosque, including the ALV Fin and a ballast water treatment system, ensuring compliance with global environmental standards.
Bulk Carrier Frontier Hope and Recent Deliveries
The third vessel delivered in this series is the Frontier Hope, a 93,691 GT bulk carrier, handed over to Southern Route Maritime on March 27 at the Ariake Shipyard in Kumamoto. This bulk carrier measures 292 meters in length and 45 meters in breadth. Like the previous vessels, Frontier Hope is equipped with the Surf-Bulb and ALV-Fin technologies, which contribute to enhanced fuel efficiency. Additionally, it features a Super Stream Duct, which is reported to reduce energy consumption by approximately 3%, along with low-friction hull coating and a large-diameter propeller.
Since early February, JMU has been on a delivery spree, having previously delivered several vessels, including the bulk carrier Mount Anjin to Eastern Pacific Shipping and the LNG-powered dual-fuel dry bulk carrier SG Twilight to Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha. These recent deliveries highlight JMU’s ongoing efforts to innovate in shipbuilding while addressing the industry’s environmental challenges.
