Tokyo, Japan | January 5, 2016 – Japanese shipping major IINO Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. (IINO Lines) has officially taken delivery of the IINO INEOS SUNNA, the second of two ultra-modern dual-fuel Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs). The vessel was delivered on January 5, 2026, by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. in Ulsan, South Korea.
The vessel is part of a joint venture with LIBERA CORPORATION and has commenced a long-term time charter with INEOS Europe AG. This delivery follows its sister ship, the IINO INEOS VESTÁ, which joined the fleet in September 2025.
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Decarbonization in Focus: Dual-Fuel Advantage
The IINO INEOS SUNNA is a cornerstone of IINO Lines’ “The Adventure to Our Sustainable Future” mid-term management plan. By utilizing a dual-fuel main engine capable of running on ethane, the vessel achieves a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional heavy fuel oil (HFO) alternatives.
IINO Lines continues to pivot toward a greener fleet, with a portfolio that now includes:
- Methanol-powered dual-fuel vessels.
- LPG-powered dual-fuel vessels.
- Ammonia-ready vessels designed for future-fuel transitions.
“This vessel marks our second dual-fuel ethane carrier to join our operating fleet. IINO Lines will contribute to the realization of a sustainable society through the continued introduction of environmentally advanced vessels,” the company stated.
Technical Specifications: IINO INEOS SUNNA
| Feature | Specification |
| Cargo Tank Capacity | 99,000 m3 |
| Gross Tonnage | 60,637 tons |
| Deadweight (DWT) | 62,383 tons |
| Length Overall (LOA) | 229.97 m |
| Beam | 36.63 m |
| Shipyard | HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. |
| Flag State | Liberia |
The vessel features a distinctive dragon motif, a hallmark of the INEOS fleet, designed under the production management of IINO Media Pro Co., Ltd.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
The delivery reinforces the strategic alliance between three major maritime and industrial players:
- INEOS Europe AG: A global petrochemical giant. This addition brings the INEOS ethane fleet to 18 vessels (10 VLECs and 8 Dragon-class ships), one of the largest specialized ethane fleets in the world.
- HD Hyundai Heavy Industries: The South Korean yard continues to lead in the construction of complex gas carriers and environmental technology integration.
- LIBERA CORPORATION: Based in Kure, Japan, Libera provides the joint-venture ownership and a global maritime platform spanning ship management and seafarer training.
IINO Lines: A 125-Year Legacy of Specialized Maritime Excellence
Since its founding in 1899, IINO Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. (IINO Lines) has evolved from a local Japanese operator into a global leader in the transport of energy and chemical resources. Over 125 years, the company has demonstrated remarkable resilience, navigating two world wars and radical industry shifts to emerge as a niche powerhouse.
Today, IINO operates a sophisticated fleet of 106 vessels (as of late 2025), with a strategic focus on high-spec, high-barrier-to-entry segments. Their leadership is particularly dominant in the chemical tanker sector, where they manage one of the world’s most modern fleets of stainless-steel tankers, and the LPG/VLEC market, providing critical logistics for the global petrochemical and energy industries.
Unlike diversified general carriers, IINO maintains a lean, specialized operation: roughly 25% of its chemical fleet and 54% of its dry bulk fleet are positioned in the spot market to capture high-margin opportunities, while the remainder is secured under stable, long-term charters. Under their “IINO VISION for 2030,” the company is aggressively investing 100 billion yen in eco-friendly tonnage, aiming for a 20% reduction in GHG emissions per ton-mile by 2030 and full carbon neutrality by 2050.
Source: IINO Lines