Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced the launch of the car carrier Utopia Ace, the first of 12 new carriers featuring advanced technologies such as a double-hulled fuel tank that reduces the risk of oil spills and a hull design that significantly reduces wind resistance. Under the water line, the ship features a hyper-slim energy-saving design that reduces resistance by 8% compared to a conventionally designed vessel.

The ship has an aerodynamically rounded design not only on the bow but also on the sides to further reduce wind resistance. Additionally, the ventilation covers on the shipside decks feature aerodynamically rounded sides. By changing to spray oil injection, the Utopia Ace will use less lubricating oil in the main engine cylinders, reducing the engine’s particulate emissions by about 30%. Taking all vessel energy saving features into account, it is expected that they will reduce the vessel’s CO2 emissions by about 14%, compared to similar type of vessels.

To boost operational efficiency, the vessel is equipped with a mobile rampway connected directly to the upper deck. The vessel, built by Kobe shipyard of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, can transport 6,400 standard passenger cars, including SUVs, at speed of over 20 knots.