Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has taken delivery of the first car carrier of the next-generation “FLEXIE” series, the Beluga Ace, which was built at the Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. 

The vessel features six liftable decks, compared with two on conventional car carriers. This allows the Beluga Ace to more effectively meet demand for more diversified vehicle and high and heavy cargo transport, MOL said.

The hull design is a complete departure from current car carriers, MOL said. A rounded bow shape will minimize wind resistance and is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by about 2 percent compared to today's car carriers. The new shape is the result of joint research by MOL, MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd. and Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui Zosen) Inc.