Japan’s Imabari Shipbuilding has handed over a large container ship capable of future conversion to methanol or ammonia propulsion to Ocean Network Express (ONE), marking another step in the shipping industry’s gradual move toward alternative fuel readiness.
The One Simplicity Joins the ONE Fleet
According to Ship & Bunker, the 13,900 TEU vessel — named One Simplicity — was delivered from Imabari’s Marugame facility, with the shipbuilder confirming the handover in a statement published on its website on March 31.
The ship has been engineered with future fuel transitions in mind. While it does not currently operate on methanol or ammonia, Ship & Bunker reports that it has been designed to support conversion to either fuel at a later stage.
Efficiency and Environmental Features
Beyond its alternative fuel readiness, the One Simplicity incorporates a suite of measures aimed at improving environmental performance. Ship & Bunker notes that the vessel features an optimised hull design, energy-saving devices, and low-friction coatings — a combination that Imabari states achieves an estimated 60% reduction in the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) relative to regulatory requirements.
The ship is also fitted with hybrid scrubber systems and has been built to accommodate the future installation of onboard carbon capture technology.
A Wider Industry Trend
The delivery of the One Simplicity is part of a growing pattern across the global fleet. As Ship & Bunker reports, a number of vessels have been ordered and delivered with methanol-ready or ammonia-ready designations as shipowners look to hedge against evolving fuel regulations and long-term market uncertainty. The publication notes, however, that actual conversions to run on these alternative fuels remain limited across the industry at this stage.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
