Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. announced the delivery of the new building Very Large Ethane Carrier (VLEC) "ETHANE CRYSTAL", by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), for Reliance Industries Limited (Reliance) on November 9. MOL was appointed by Reliance to undertake Site Supervision of new builds and is also to be the Operator and the Ship Manager of these vessels.

Mr. P.M.S. Prasad, Executive Director and Member of the Board, Reliance Industries Limited, named the vessel as "ETHANE CRYSTAL" in the naming ceremony held at SHI, Geoje, South Korea, on October 26. "ETHANE CRYSTAL" is the first VLEC from a series of six VLECs that were ordered by Reliance at SHI in July 2014.

The VLECs will serve to transport Ethane from United States of America to India, and are the largest vessels ever built for transportation of Ethane at an industrial scale. MOL will be the first shipping company in the world to operate such Very Large Ethane Carriers. The vessels adopt GTT Mark III as a containment system which is unique for Ethane transportation, and are designed to cater to latest safety and environment regulations.

MOL will operate the fleet of six VLECs to provide efficient, safe and reliable Ethane transportation for use as a feedstock in large petrochemical complexes owned and operated by Reliance.

Ethane transportation project is a splendid example where an innovative business model was used to meet the customer's requirements.

MOL utilized its experience, know how, and network built over the years as one of the largest LNG carrier owners and operators and, significant experience as owners and operators of LPG carriers in order to obtain this business. MOL's experience in LNG / LPG segments and its unmatched service, safety, reliability and efficiency precisely met the stringent requirements of Reliance prior being appointed as a suitable shipping partner for Ethane Transportation Project.