LNG

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) has signed shipbuilding contracts with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard for four LNG dual-fuel car carriers with a capacity of 1,380 vehicles each. The vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel engines capable of running on LNG to reduce emissions. The newbuilds are part of K Line’s strategy to expand its environmentally compliant vehicle carrier fleet.

The latest Japanese ferry newbuilds on order with shipyards in Japan have opted not to have liquefied natural gas as part of the propulsion systems and will instead use exhaust-cleaners known as scrubbers to meet the sulfur cap on emissions from 2020 backed by the International Maritime Organization.