The Port of Piraeus has officially partnered with Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), expanding its role as a key vehicle transport hub in the Mediterranean.
The operational relationship kicked off with the inaugural call of the Tourmaline Ace at the Piraeus Car Terminal, delivering roughly 1000 vehicles directly to the Greek market.
Adding a major global RoRo operator like MOL significantly strengthens the international vehicle supply chain flowing through Greece. MOL currently operates a massive fleet of over 95 specialized vehicle carriers. Each vessel is designed to handle global automotive and heavy machinery transport, boasting a capacity of approximately 5000 standard size vehicles.
The Tourmaline Ace is one of the newest additions to the MOL fleet and serves as a prime example of the carrier’s next generation Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) design.
A major selling point of this specific vessel is its liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion system, which offers massive environmental upgrades over conventional maritime fuels. For ports focused on sustainability, this LNG configuration delivers:
- 25 to 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions
- 85% reduction in NOx emissions
- Up to 98% reduction in SOx emissions
Su Xudong, CEO of Piraeus Port Authority, noted that accommodating modern vessels like the Tourmaline Ace reinforces the strategic position of Piraeus in the regional vehicle trade while aligning with the port’s ongoing commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible operations.