Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, is pleased to announce the signing of a 15-year long-term time charter contract with Mitsubishi Corporation subsidiary Diamond Gas International on May 12th. “K” LINE has also concluded a shipbuilding contract with Samsung Heavy Industries for a 174,000 m3 LNG carrier.
This is the first long-term time charter contract between DGI and “K” LINE involving a newly built vessel. The plan is for this new vessel to be engaged in LNG transportation around the world beginning in the second half of 2026. This vessel will be equipped with an ME-GA*1 engine and achieve the reduction of environmental impact through the reduction of fuel consumption during operation.
In the 40 years since the delivery of the first Japanese LNG carrier, Bishu Maru, in 1983, “K” LINE has been establishing its expertise in LNG transportation and developing a worldwide network. The signing of the new contracts is a successful result of “K” LINE’s abundant experience supervising vessel construction, its high-quality ship management, and its ability to boast the highest level of safety in its commercially optimized operations
In our Medium-Term Management Plan published in May 2022,*2 “K” LINE has positioned the LNG business as one of its top priority areas for future investment. “K” LINE will continue to expand its long-term contracts and accommodate the growing demand for energy by responding to the diverse needs of its customers.
*1 ME-GA Engine: a low-speed dual-fuel engine using low-pressure gas
*2 Medium-Term Management Plan (Released on May 9th, 2022)
https://www.kline.co.jp/en/ir/management/strategy.html
Vessel Specifications
| Shipyard | Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. |
| Delivery | Second half of 2026 |
| LOA | Approx. 290 m |
| Beam | 45.8 m |
| Tank Capacity | 174,000 m3 |
| Propulsion System | ME-GA |
| Speed | 19.5 kn |
