MOL and the Cautious Selection of Shipyards for New LNG Carriers Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Written by Carla Teles

Published on 27/05/2025 at 18:51

MOL avalia com prudência estaleiros para novos navios transportadores de GNL, considerando riscos geopolíticos e políticas dos EUA. Entenda a estratégia da gigante marítima.

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Japanese Maritime Giant Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) Evaluates With Caution Chinese and South Korean Shipyards for Future LNG Carrier Orders, Considering the Global Political Scenario and US Policies.

Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), one of the largest shipping companies in Japan, is adopting a careful evaluation stance. The company is analyzing the use of Chinese and South Korean shipyards that meet its criteria. This analysis takes into account changes in political trends in the United States and geopolitical risks. The goal is to meet the growing demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.

Cautious Decision in Shipyard Selection

Recently, media speculation suggested that MOL might suspend new orders for LNG carriers from Chinese shipyards. In response, the Japanese company clarified its position. MOL stated that it will exercise “prudent judgment” in selecting shipyards for any new orders. This decision will take current geopolitical circumstances into account.

The Strategic Importance of LNG and the Role of MOL in Energy Transport

“LNG plays a significant role as an energy source,” emphasized MOL. It supports the global transition to a decarbonized society. MOL’s mission is to maintain a stable supply of energy in Japan and around the world. The company positions itself as a leading operator in LNG transportation. “Ensuring a stable LNG transport infrastructure is essential to meet this demand,” highlighted the company.

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Partners in LNG Carrier Ship Construction

MOL explained that there is a limited number of shipyards globally capable of building high-quality LNG carriers. These ships are crucial for stable LNG transportation. In this context, MOL emphasizes that Chinese shipyards are an “important partner.” They ensure diversification and flexibility in sourcing new vessels.

US Policies and Geopolitical Risks: Determining Factors in MOL’s Choice

“MOL will continue to carefully evaluate the use of Chinese shipyards that meet its quality and safety standards, along with South Korean shipyards,” the company stated. This evaluation will occur “while adopting a comprehensive view of future US political trends and geopolitical risks, to meet the global demand for LNG transportation.”

US policies regarding vessels built in China or owned/operated by entities linked to the country are a point of concern. These policies, set to take effect from October 2025 with annual reinforcements in April, include tariffs. The charges can range from US$ 18 per net ton to US$ 120 per container. There are exemptions for specific cases, such as ships carrying cargo for the US government.

Constant Monitoring and MOL’s Actions in the Shipbuilding Market

Many shipping companies that order LNG carriers from Chinese shipyards are closely monitoring these trends. This includes the US consideration of additional port fees for vessels built in China.

Meanwhile, MOL has demonstrated that it will continue its operations with Chinese partners in other segments. Earlier this month, the company placed an order with Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering in China for a new large crude oil tanker (VLCC) powered by LNG.

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MOL and the Cautious Selection of Shipyards for New LNG Carriers Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Japanese Maritime Giant Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) Evaluates With Caution Chinese and South Korean Shipyards for Future LNG Carrier Orders, Considering the Global Political Scenario and US Policies.

Cautious Decision in Shipyard Selection

The Strategic Importance of LNG and the Role of MOL in Energy Transport

Partners in LNG Carrier Ship Construction

US Policies and Geopolitical Risks: Determining Factors in MOL’s Choice

Constant Monitoring and MOL’s Actions in the Shipbuilding Market

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MOL and the Cautious Selection of Shipyards for New LNG Carriers Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Japanese Maritime Giant Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) Evaluates With Caution Chinese and South Korean Shipyards for Future LNG Carrier Orders, Considering the Global Political Scenario and US Policies.

Cautious Decision in Shipyard Selection

The Strategic Importance of LNG and the Role of MOL in Energy Transport

Partners in LNG Carrier Ship Construction

US Policies and Geopolitical Risks: Determining Factors in MOL’s Choice

Constant Monitoring and MOL’s Actions in the Shipbuilding Market

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Cambodia has started digging a nearly 180-kilometer canal to connect the Mekong River directly to the sea and reduce its dependence on the ports of neighboring Vietnam.

Four times faster than the Concorde, capable of taking passengers from New York to London in less than an hour at Mach 5.5, and with an engine that switches from turbojet to ramjet mid-flight at Mach 3.5, the Hermeus Quarterhorse went from paper to its first flight in just 19 months.

Dissatisfied with seeing people sleeping on the street, a man named Ryan Donais started building small mobile homes so that homeless people can escape the cold, each equipped with a bed, running water, electricity, and heating.

China has put millions of electric cars on the roads, but now faces the side effect: more than 1 million tons of batteries are expected to go out of use per year by 2030, while the government expands tracking and combats illegal dismantling with environmental risks.

An Indonesian fisherman pulls a mysterious object from the sea and discovers that it is a Chinese underwater monitoring system, part of the so-called Underwater Great Wall that Beijing uses to track submarines and unmanned vehicles in strategic straits of the region.

China is designing a container ship with a thorium nuclear reactor that will operate for 40 years without refueling, and the 25,000-container giant from Jiangnan Shipyard will cross oceans without emitting carbon in an industry that burns 300 million tons of fuel per year.

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