Japanese shipping company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) has embarked on an interesting fleet expansion move in the bulk shipping sector. Namely, K Line has inked a contract with compatriot shipbuilder Nihon Shipyard, a joint venture between Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) and Imabari Shipbuilding, for the construction of three methanol-ready post-Panamax bulkers.
The 92,000 vessels have been developed by Nihon as next-generation, environmentally friendly ships.
The 92-type bulkers, also known as K Line’s “Corona-series,” are wide-beam, shallow-draft coal carriers optimally designed for the transportation of coal to coal-fired power plants in Japan.
K Line said that the new ships will feature 40% improvement in CO2 emissions efficiency based on NSY’s optimal ship development, including the newest main engine and the adoption of energy-saving accessories.
“Moreover, the methanol-ready ship concept which assumes a shift toward methanol, a marine fuel with a low environmental footprint, will be adopted,” the company noted.
In line with its long-term environmental guideline, the K Line Environmental Vision 2050, the company has committed to a 50% improvement in CO2 emissions efficiency and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. To meet these goals, the Japanese shipping major is adopting new highly eco-friendly fuels and incorporating wind power propulsion systems.
K Line is also working with partners on the development of an ammonia-powered 200,000 dwt bulker. The basic design won AiP in 2022, and K Line is working with ITOCHU Corporation, Nihon Shipyard, Mitsui E&S Machinery Co., and NS United Kaiun Kaisha to take delivery of the Newcastlemax bulker and begin its social implementation in 2026.
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K Line sets sights on delivery of ammonia-powered bulker in 2026
MOL and Mitsui get green light for large ammonia-powered bulker Vessels Nihon has also been entrusted with the construction of eight Evergreen’s methanol-powered container ships as part of its $5.04 billion investment in 24 ships.
In addition, the shipyard is working with Mitsui & Co. and Mitsubishi Corporation o n a collaborative study for ocean-going liquified CO 2 (LCO 2 ) carriers.