Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced a groundbreaking initiative focused on the production and utilization of biomethane derived from local dairy farm manure in Hamanaka Town, Hokkaido. This collaborative study, involving Hamanaka Town, JA Hamanaka, Takanashi Milk Products Co., Ltd., Hokkaido Gas Co., Ltd., and MOL Sunflower Ltd., represents a significant step towards advancing sustainable energy solutions within the maritime industry and beyond.
Hamanaka Town, renowned for its dairy farming sector, is set to be the focal point for this innovative project. The study will evaluate the feasibility of converting animal manure from local dairy farms into biomethane, a renewable energy source. The goal is to determine the potential for using this biomethane as a clean fuel alternative for factories and vessels, thereby reducing reliance on conventional fuels such as coal and oil. LNG, a current low-carbon fuel, has been shown to cut CO2 emissions by 25%-40% compared to traditional fuels, and biomethane promises similar, if not greater, benefits.
Study Highlights:
- Feasibility Assessment: Investigate the practicality of utilizing locally produced biomethane for fueling maritime vessels and industrial operations.
- Decarbonization Goals: Support the global push towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 through sustainable fuel alternatives.
- Infrastructure Utilization: Leverage existing infrastructure to facilitate the transport and consumption of biomethane, easing the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Profiles of Joint Study Participants:
- JA Hamanaka
- Established: March 1948
- Location: 61 Chanai Sakae, Hamanaka-cho, Akkeshi-gun, Hokkaido
- Business: Promotes and supports the dairy and livestock industries in the region.
- Takanashi Milk Products Co., Ltd.
- Established: April 1950
- Location: 5 Honjyuku-cho, Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
- Business: Production and sales of dairy products.
- Hokkaido Gas Co., Ltd.
- Established: July 1911
- Location: 2-1-1 Higashi, Kita 7-jo, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Business: Gas, power supply, and heat supply services; production and sale of gas appliances.
- Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
- Established: May 1884
- Location: 1-1 Toranomon 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Business: Ocean shipping services.
- MOL Sunflower Ltd.
- Established: March 2001
- Location: 18-13, Sotokanda 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Business: Passenger liner services, coastal shipping, freight forwarding, and travel agency services.
This joint study underscores Mitsui O.S.K. Lines’ commitment to enhancing sustainability within the maritime sector. By exploring the use of biomethane, the project aims to contribute to a greener shipping industry and broader environmental goals.
About Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL)
MOL is a global leader in shipping, operating over 800 ships worldwide. Its diverse fleet includes bulk carriers, liquefied natural gas carriers, Ro-Ro car carrier ships, and oil tankers, among others. Beyond traditional shipping, MOL also engages in social infrastructure businesses, including real estate, terminal and logistics, and offshore wind power. With one of the largest merchant fleets and 140 years of history, MOL aims to be a resilient corporate group that provides new value to all stakeholders.
Source Mitsui O.S.K. Lines