OREANDA-NEWS. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. today announced the world's first use of highly ductile steel plate NSafe®-Hull, developed by Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (Representative Director and President: Kosei Shindo; headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) on a merchant vessel. The ship featuring this new safety-enhancing feature, a large-size bulk carrier, was launched on August 2.

The NSafe®-Hull's highly ductile steel absorbs side impact to the hull three times more effectively than conventional steel plate, reducing the risk of cracks in the hull and significantly increasing the safety of the vessel.

Construction of the new bulkship required a total about 3,000 tons of NSafe®-Hull for sections such as the side plates of cargo holds and fuel tanks, where hull strength is especially critical (please refer to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). Improved puncture resistance helps to prevent flooding, protects cargo, and prevents environmental damage from oil leakage.

MOL forges ahead to become the world leader in safe operation, and continually takes a proactive stance in adoption of technologies that contribute to safer, more reliable ocean transport.