The Japanese shipping company MOL has commissioned the “Prima Verde”, a new MPP vessel that is currently considered the most environmentally friendly ship of its kind.
The “Prima Verde” was built at the Onomichi shipyard based in Hyogo Prefecture and has a carrying capacity of 17,500 tdw. What makes it so special, however, is the combined propulsion by an engine powered by marine gas oil (MGO) and a wind sail. It is also the first freighter to be built from so-called “green” steel.
The MPP freighter, which was ordered in January 2022, is to be operated by the shipping division MOL Drybulk, but is owned by Osaka-based Daishin Shipping. The Liberian-flagged “Prima Verde” has a length of 130 meters, a width of 23.6 meters and a draught of 9.8 meters.
The “Prima Verde” is equipped with wind propulsion
According to MOL, the “Prima Verde” was equipped with two VentoFoil wind sails developed by Econowind from the Netherlands. These are non-rotating wings that generate additional thrust. It is assumed that this design will enable “significant” fuel savings and at the same time contribute to a “substantial” reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the “Prima Verde” is not the first vessel in MOL’s fleet to be equipped with wind-assisted technology. In May 2024, the company announced that a number of other bulkers and MPP vessels – all operated by MOL Drybulk – are to be equipped with these solutions.
JGreeX, an environmentally friendly steel, was used to build the hull. According to a January 2024 analysis by UMAS and Lloyd’s Register, the progressive use of green steel could lead to a CO2 reduction equivalent to one year’s operational emissions from international shipping.
