Japanese shipping major Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) expects its first LNG-powered vessel to be delivered this year as the company increases focus on utilizing LNG as fuel. The LNG-fuelled car carrier was launched at Tadotsu Shipyard, part of Imabari Shipbuilding Group, in July 2020, shortly after receiving its LNG tanks.
The 73,800 GT ship was ordered by the Japanese shipping company in 2018 as a next-generation car carrier with a reduced environmental footprint.
The car carrier features a dual-fuel diesel engine ME-GI with an exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) to apply with NOx Tier III. Auxiliary engines are also dual-fuel diesel engines that conform to NOx Tier III in gas mode.
The ship will be bunkered by Kaguya, a 3,500-cbm LNG bunkering vessel, owned by Central LNG Marine Fuel Japan.
The company is a joint venture company of K Line, JERA, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK).
Kaguya was constructed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and delivered in September 2020 as Japan’s first LNG bunkering vessel.
K Line is also working on the practical implementation of the Seawing kite system, Yukikazu Myochin, President & CEO at K Line, said.
The Seawing kite system converts wind energy into propulsive force with its flying kite, and it was developed by Airseas, a spin-off of aerospace company Airbus. The system is based on parafoil technology that tows commercial ships, and can cut more than 20% of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, according to its developer.
K Line and Airseas signed a major deal in 2019, which stipulates installation and service of the system on board one of K Line’s bulkers.
The first installation on a Capsize ship, most probably sailing between Japan and Australia, is planned for this year after which demonstration tests will ensue, aimed at proving that the promised 20 percent savings can be achieved on the said route.
The tests will be one of the most important factors for K Line before the company commits to install the automated 1000 sqm kites on up to 50 more ships.
“Furthermore, research on next-generation fuels is also being conducted through a companywide project with the aim of halving the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions as targeted for 2050,” K Line’s President added.
Source: World Maritime News
