Enviva and MOL sign MoU to deploy environment-friendly bulk carrier
The EFBC will utilise rotor sail technology together with ‘Wind Challenger’ technology (Source: MOL)
Enviva, producer of sustainable wood bioenergy, and MOL Drybulk Ltd., a subsidiary of marine transport group Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), have signed an additional memorandum of understanding to deploy an environment-friendly bulk carrier (EFBC). Japan’s Oshima Shipbuilding has landed an order to construct the bulker of 62,900dwt with sail-assisted propulsion. The vessel is scheduled to be delivered in 2024.
The new vessel will be equipped with MOL’s own hard sail system called Wind Challenger and also with rotor sails from Anemoi Marine Technologies. The Wind Challenger system converts wind energy to propulsive force with a telescopic hard sail. MOL believes the installed sail-assisted propulsion will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 20%. Sustainably sourced wood pellets, like the ones Enviva produces, are considered carbon-neutral even after taking into account the full supply chain, and have been proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% on a lifecycle basis compared to coal. As part of Enviva’s goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2030, the company has committed to addressing scope 3 emissions by proactively engaging with partners to develop and implement new clean energy solutions.
