K Line Group collaborating for Japan’s first LNG-powered ferry

Japanese shipping companies Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (K Line Kinkai) and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (K Line) have joined forces to study introduction of Japan’s first passenger LNG-fueled ferry.

The study includes specifications, engine types and any related technical verifications for LNG handling.

K Line Kinkai has been studying introduction of a ferry powered by Liquefied Natural Gas, as it is an environmentally-friendly fuel that could almost completely eliminate SOx emissions and also minimizes NOx and CO2 emissions to certain level. The collaboration aims to accelerate this study.

K Line Group has also been studying introduction of various types of LNG-fueled vessels, including car carrier and tugboat, as well as LNG supply business. The company is promoting environmental measures based on K Line Environmental Vision 2050, the Group’s long-term environment management vision toward 2050.

In line with its vision, K Line’s “Drive Green Highway,” a 7,500RT large-scale car carrier won the award of “Ship of the Year 2016” by the Japanese Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers, for featuring environmentally-friendly technology.