Naming and Launching Ceremony Held for Sunflower Pirka, LNG-fueled Ferry on Oarai-Tomakomai Route
-LNG-fueled Tugboat Ishin Supports Launching Operations-
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) announced the successful naming and launch of the LNG-fueled ferry Sunflower Pirka at a ceremony on September 4. The ferry, under construction at Naikai Zosen Corporation in Hiroshima Prefecture, is part of MOL’s commitment to adopting LNG as a low-carbon fuel. The vessel was towed by the LNG-powered tugboat Ishin, symbolizing the transfer of knowledge from earlier LNG projects to new, sustainable initiatives. Sunflower Pirka is expected to enter service in April 2025, operating on the Oarai-Tomakomai route.
The Sunflower Pirka is the latest addition to MOL’s expanding fleet of LNG-fueled vessels. Alongside its sister ships, including Sunflower Kamuy, Kurenai, and Murasaki, the ferry will help MOL maintain its position as Japan’s leading operator of LNG-fueled ferries.
These vessels will support both passenger and logistics services, reducing CO2 emissions and contributing to MOL’s long-term environmental goals. The company, which operates the largest ferry fleet in Japan, continues to emphasize stable, environmentally responsible operations.
In keeping with tradition, the name Pirka, which means “beautiful” in the Ainu language, honors the heritage of northern Japan and expresses a commitment to a brighter future. The ferry is designed to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 35% compared to current vessels on the Hokkaido route, incorporating energy-efficient technologies and offering improved accommodations for logistics operators. MOL’s investment in such vessels demonstrates its continued focus on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
