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Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced the hull design for the 'FLEXIE' - its next-generation car carrier, which is to be built by Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and delivered in 2017.

The rounded bow shape is designed to minimize wind resistance and cut fuel costs. It is expected to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by about 2 percent compared to today's car carriers, according to MOL. The new shape is the result of joint research by MOL, MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd. and Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui Zosen) Inc.

MOL has already developed the wind resistance-reducing car carrier Courageous Ace, which received the Ship of the Year 2003 award in Japan; an energy-saving windshield for containerships to reduce wind resistance; and a new prototype sailing rig called the 'Power Assist Sail'.

MOL is also participating in the 'Wind Challenger Project', promoting research and development into ways of cutting wind resistance and utilizing the wind to help propel the merchant ships of the future. The new bow design is said to be a result of those efforts.

MOL Group's 'Senpaku ISHIN' project was launched to develop innovative new vessels that will reduce the environmental impact of vessel operations. It carries out research and development on a range of environmental technologies and works to reduce CO2 emissions generated by vessels.