Naming, launching ceremony held for Japan’s 1st hydrogen-biofuel hybrid passenger ship

Cutting the branch line (Photo: Motena-Sea Ltd.)

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. announced that a naming and launching ceremony for Japan’s first hybrid passenger ship, which utilizes hydrogen and biodiesel fuels, was held Sept. 13.

The ship was named Hanaria.

The branch line was cut by Captain Mieko Mikuri and Hinako Osawa of Wafukari Shrine, which is located in the Kanmon Strait.

Photo: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd.

The vessel was ordered by MOL Group company Motena-Sea Ltd. and is under construction at the Hongawara Ship Yard Co. Ltd.

“The ship’s name reflects our hope that it will function as a next-generation fuel passenger ship with the elegance of a magnificent song,” Motena-Sea stated.

Photo: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd.

The ship is scheduled to be delivered in March 2024 and will start servicing in Fukuoka Prefecture the following month.

The Hanaria will reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by 53 percent to 100 percent compared to conventional fossil-fuels vessels.

It will accomplish this by introducing a system, the first in Japan, which allows selection of any of operating modes: hydrogen fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries or biodiesel fuel.