MOL Makes Grand Entrance Into CTV Business with Japanese Charter Deal

June 15, 2023, by Adnan Memija

Japan-based Mitsui O.S.K. Line (MOL) has concluded a time charter contract with Shimizu Corporation for two crew transfer vessels (CTVs) for the Ishikari Bay New Port offshore wind project in Japan. This marks the MOL Group’s entry into the CTV business.

MOL Shimizu Ishikari Bay New Port — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines

MOL Group company MOL Coastal Shipping will operate the CTVs, which will support the construction and operation of the project, transporting workers to and from the offshore wind farm.

Both CTVs are 26.3 metres long, with 10-metre breadth, and capacity to carry twelve passengers. JCAT Three and Kazehaya were constructed by Damen Shipyards.

The vessels are slated to begin service later this month.

In addition, one of the CTVs, the KAZEHAYA, owned by MOL, is the first CTV in Japan managed and operated under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, which is the international standard of ship safety management system, certified by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), said MOL.

The Ishikari Bay New Port offshore wind project is being developed by a special purpose company (SPC) called Green Power Ishikari LLC, established in 2016 by Green Power Investment Corporation.

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The project’s developers completed financing and began full construction of the Ishikari Bay New Port offshore wind farm in October last year.

Located approximately three kilometres from the shore of Ishikari Bay in Hokkaido, the project will utilise 14 Siemens Gamesa 8.0 MW wind turbines that are built specifically for offshore use.

The SG 8.0-167 DD offshore turbine is designed to meet local codes and standards regarding typhoons, seismic activities, 50 Hertz operation, as well as operation in high and low ambient temperatures, according to its developers.

In February, Siemens Gamesa concluded a charter contract with Nippon Yusen Kaisha for CTV for the wind farm.