Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and CMB.TECH have marked a milestone in maritime decarbonisation with the joint naming of three ammonia-fuelled Capesize bulk carriers at CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding in China.
The ceremony took place on 29 October 2026, with MOL issuing its official announcement the following day. The vessels were named RURI MIRAI, RURI SEKAI and RURI HIKARI in the presence of CMB.TECH CEO Alexander Saverys and MOL Managing Executive Officer Kazuhiro Takahashi.
According to MOL, these are the world’s first three ammonia-fuelled Capesize bulk carriers. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in early 2027. The ships will be jointly owned by MOL and CMB.TECH, while MOL plans to operate them under long-term charter arrangements.
Vessel specifications
Each vessel has a deadweight capacity of approximately 209,800 tonnes, a length overall of 299.95 metres and a breadth of 50 metres. Each ship will carry two ammonia fuel tanks with a capacity of 3,000 cubic metres each.
MOL is developing operating procedures and safety measures with relevant stakeholders ahead of delivery. Ammonia produces no CO₂ during combustion, although its full lifecycle climate impact depends on how the fuel is produced and supplied.
Part of MOL’s BLUE ACTION 2035 strategy
The vessels support MOL’s environmental programme, BLUE ACTION 2035, under which the group aims to introduce net-zero-emission ocean-going ships during the 2020s and reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
The names MIRAI, SEKAI and HIKARI mean future, world and light respectively. Their shared prefix, RURI, evokes the blue planet and the company’s aspirations for sustainable shipping.
Source: MOL official press release, 30 October 2026. Photo: MOL.
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