MOL Signs First Annual LNG Fuel Supply Contract for Car Carriers on the North American West Coast
MOL and Seaspan Energy have signed an annual term contract for LNG fuel supply for car carriers at the Port of Vancouver. This contract secures a stable supply of clean fuel on North American routes, supporting MOL's environmental strategy to achieve net-zero emissions.
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- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 20:14
- 🔍 Collected: May 21, 2026 at 11:31
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Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Taro Tamura; Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) and Seaspan Energy Ltd. (President: Harly Penner; Headquarters: Vancouver, Canada) have announced the conclusion of the first-ever annual term contract for LNG fuel supply for car carriers at the Port of Vancouver. The first LNG fuel bunkering under this contract was successfully conducted on April 29.
Since conducting the first LNG bunkering operation by a Japanese shipping company on the North American West Coast on March 1, 2025, MOL has performed multiple LNG bunkering operations in the region. Given that the North American route is a primary route for car carriers and the recent increase in newly built LNG-fueled car carriers, ensuring a stable supply of LNG in the region has become increasingly important. This contract clarifies MOL's commitment to securing a stable and continuous supply of LNG in the region.
Going forward, MOL will continue to expand the operational area for LNG-fueled vessels and actively support the expansion of clean supply chains.
The MOL Group has identified the introduction of alternative fuels as a key action for achieving net-zero emissions under its 'MOL Group Environmental Vision'. As part of these efforts, the group intends to actively utilize LNG, which is currently practical and economically rational, as a primary fuel for low-carbon operations in the short-to-medium term.
Seaspan Energy President Harly Penner commented: 'The relationship between Seaspan Energy and MOL is extremely important to us. MOL is the first car carrier operator to receive LNG bunkering at the Port of Vancouver, and we are honored to continue supporting MOL's operations at the port through this annual term contract. This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to promoting GHG emission reductions in maritime transport and supporting the maritime industry's transition towards net-zero GHG emissions.'
MOL's General Manager of Fuel GX Business Division added: 'We are very pleased to have deepened our collaboration with Seaspan Energy and to have concluded this LNG fuel supply term contract. We will continue to accelerate our collaboration with Seaspan Energy in clean fuels such as bio-LNG and continue to provide our customers with options for clean supply chains.'
Since conducting the first LNG bunkering operation by a Japanese shipping company on the North American West Coast on March 1, 2025, MOL has performed multiple LNG bunkering operations in the region. Given that the North American route is a primary route for car carriers and the recent increase in newly built LNG-fueled car carriers, ensuring a stable supply of LNG in the region has become increasingly important. This contract clarifies MOL's commitment to securing a stable and continuous supply of LNG in the region.
Going forward, MOL will continue to expand the operational area for LNG-fueled vessels and actively support the expansion of clean supply chains.
The MOL Group has identified the introduction of alternative fuels as a key action for achieving net-zero emissions under its 'MOL Group Environmental Vision'. As part of these efforts, the group intends to actively utilize LNG, which is currently practical and economically rational, as a primary fuel for low-carbon operations in the short-to-medium term.
Seaspan Energy President Harly Penner commented: 'The relationship between Seaspan Energy and MOL is extremely important to us. MOL is the first car carrier operator to receive LNG bunkering at the Port of Vancouver, and we are honored to continue supporting MOL's operations at the port through this annual term contract. This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to promoting GHG emission reductions in maritime transport and supporting the maritime industry's transition towards net-zero GHG emissions.'
MOL's General Manager of Fuel GX Business Division added: 'We are very pleased to have deepened our collaboration with Seaspan Energy and to have concluded this LNG fuel supply term contract. We will continue to accelerate our collaboration with Seaspan Energy in clean fuels such as bio-LNG and continue to provide our customers with options for clean supply chains.'
FAQ
Why does MOL source LNG fuel on the North American West Coast?
The North American route is a key route for car carriers, and securing stable LNG supply is crucial for realizing low-carbon shipping.
What is the purpose of the partnership with Seaspan Energy?
It aims to build a clean fuel supply system in Vancouver Port and advance joint efforts to reduce GHG emissions in maritime transport.
How does this relate to MOL's environmental management?
It is part of the 'MOL Group Environmental Vision' to promote the adoption of practical alternative fuels for low-carbon operations.