Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Kanadevia Corporation, and Yanmar Power Solutions Co., Ltd. announced that onboard trials of their jointly developed methane slip reduction technology for LNG-fueled vessels have achieved a 98% reduction rate, significantly exceeding the initial target of 70%.
The trials are part of the Green Innovation Fund Project “Development of Next-Generation Vessels” led by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
The six-year project, running from fiscal year (FY) 2021 to FY2026, aims to establish technology to reduce methane slip by combining methane oxidation catalysts with engine improvements.
Earlier, land-based trials verified a 93.8% reduction at 100% load and received certification from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK).
Following those results, the project partners modified the land-based testing equipment for onboard use and began full-scale demonstration trials in May 2025 using the LNG-fueled large coal carrier REIMEI, operated by MOL, on routes including between Japan and Australia.
The system achieved a 98% reduction in methane slip under actual operating conditions at a 75% load rate, surpassing earlier results.
The onboard trials will continue through FY2026 to evaluate overall system performance and catalyst durability, with plans for social implementation from FY2027 onward.
The companies stated that the project seeks to establish methane slip reduction technology at an early stage and contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) is a Tokyo-based global shipping company incorporated in Japan. It operates a diversified fleet including dry bulkers, tankers, container ships, and LNG carriers, and provides marine transport and logistics services worldwide.
Kanadevia Corporation is a Japan-based engineering company headquartered in Osaka. It serves as the managing company for certain government-funded R&D projects related to advanced ship technology and environmental innovation.
Yanmar Power Solutions Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd., headquartered in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture. It develops and manufactures engines and power systems for marine and industrial applications.
New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) is a national research and development agency under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, responsible for funding and coordinating industrial innovation projects, including those targeting decarbonization and advanced energy systems.
