Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has ordered methanol carriers with the world’s first methanol burning dual-fueled low-speed diesel main engine. This engines have already been built and tested, by its manufacturer, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and they have met performance requirements, the company said in a statement.

The vessels are being built by Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. And will be delivered in 2016.

Burning methanol in the main engine will reduce emissions of CO₂ and nitrogen oxides and eliminate sulfur-oxide emissions, thereby placing fewer burdens on the environment. The new vessels will also be one of the first to install ballast water treatment systems and energy saving devices fitted in front and behind the propellers to help improve fuel efficiency.

The adoption of the new technologies is part of a broader company environmental program to reduce the air pollution caused by its ocean-going vessels. Studies to evaluate the safety of the dual-fuel engine and the methanol supply system were sponsored by the Japanese government’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism.