MOL Subsidiary to Build Ro-Pax Ferries
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. announced that its group company Ferry Sunflower Limited is moving ahead with plans to construct two large-scale Ro-Pax (roll on/roll off passenger) ferries.
The newbuilding ferries will be delivered in March and June of 2018 as replacements for the Sunflower Satsuma and Sunflower Kirishima, which serve on the route connecting Osaka Port (Osaka Prefecture) and Shibushi Port (Kagoshima Prefecture).
The new ferries will feature private staterooms with toilets, showers, washbasins, and refrigerators, allowing passengers to enjoy their trips in greater comfort. Public space on the new ferries will also be about 2.5 times that of current ferries. The new ferries will also play a greater role in the Modal Shift aimed at boosting the efficiency and earth-friendliness of Japan’s domestic transport, with space for 16% more trucks.
The MOL Group continually develops services to improve the comfort and convenience of everyday life and contributing to economic and social development.
Outline of Newbuilding Ro-Pax ferries
(1) Length 192m
(2) Breadth 27m
(3) Gross tons 13,500 tons
(4) Main engine Diesel engine
(5) Capacity Passengers: 709
Trucks: 121
(6) Ship yard Japan Marine United Corporation
(7) Delivery March, June 2018
(8) Names TBD