Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced that the Soma Maru, the coal carrier which serves Tohoku Electric Power Co., has been named the "Bulk Ship of the Year" at the IBJ Awards 2014 held in Rotterdam on November 17.

Held annually, the IBJ Awards recognise and honour companies and organisations in various fields for their contributions to the global bulk carrier industry.

The Soma Maru was jointly developed by Sanoyas Shipyard and MOL, and is a state-of-the-art coal carrier with a wide-beam/shallow-draught design, various safety features and energy-saving specifications. The vessel was singled out for its versatility and environmental performance.

MOL continually strives to be a worldwide leader in the safe and reliable transportation of natural resources and energy, stressed a release.