Japanese carrier “K” LINE (Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha) has signed shipbuilding contracts for four LNG dual-fuel car carriers. The ships are intended for deployment in European short-sea operations.
The four vessels each have a designed capacity for approximately 1,380 vehicles. The order has been placed for the company’s wholly owned subsidiary, K LINE European Sea Highway Services (KESS). Construction will be undertaken by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing).
Stern ramps expand cargo capability
“K” LINE said the vessels would provide KESS with a competitive advantage in short-sea operations serving the European automotive sector, with flexibility for handling a broader range of rolling and project cargoes. The ships are just under 130 metres in length with a beam of 20.5 m. They have been assigned Ice Class 1A, allowing operation in northern European waters where seasonal ice conditions may be encountered. The company said the design reflects the operational realities of regional vehicle distribution, where cargo volumes are often lower than those carried on deep-sea pure car and truck carriers. Port infrastructure constraints were also a factor in the specification process, with vessel dimensions selected to ensure compatibility with facilities that face restrictions on ship size.
Each vessel will be fitted with a straight stern ramp rated for loads of up to 60 tonnes. “K” LINE said the arrangement would enhance the operator’s ability to handle heavy and oversized cargoes while maintaining its core role in the transport of completely built-up vehicles. In addition to passenger cars, the ships will be able to accommodate heavier rolling stock and specialised equipment, potentially improving utilisation across different trade lanes and market segments.
LNG propulsion supports emissions targets
The four vessels will operate on LNG fuel using high-pressure MAN Energy Solutions-type ME-GI main engines equipped with shaft generators. “K” LINE said the use of LNG is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by between 25 and 30%, compared with conventional vessels burning heavy fuel oil, while sulphur oxide emissions should be reduced by almost 100% (see LNG feature report from WorldCargo News).
The ships will also incorporate vacuum-insulated LNG fuel tanks intended to minimise the generation of boil-off gas. “K” LINE said this configuration would allow machinery arrangements that reduce methane slip emissions, addressing a key environmental concern associated with LNG-fuelled shipping. The company added that future use of bio-LNG, liquefied biomethane and other carbon-neutral fuels would be considered as part of its wider decarbonisation strategy.
Part of wider environmental programme
The order forms part of the group’s long-term environmental policy, “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future, which includes a target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The company has previously identified LNG as a transition fuel, while continuing to evaluate alternative energy sources.
“K” LINE said it would continue pursuing measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its fleet, including the adoption of bio-derived fuels, synthetic fuels and future zero-emission energy carriers such as ammonia and hydrogen. The latest KESS newbuildings represent a further investment in lower-emission vehicle shipping capacity serving the European market.