Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) hereby announces that it has signed agreements with NIHON SHIPYARD CO., LTD. (NIHON SHIPYARD) regarding the construction of three very large crude carriers (VLCCs, hereinafter the Carriers).

The Carriers are next-generation energy-saving, high fuel efficiency vessels. They will be constructed as Malaccamax vessels designed to transport crude very efficiently on routes between the Middle East and Asia via the Strait of Malacca. “K” LINE has decided to contract NIHON SHIPYARD to construct the Carriers. NIHON SHIPYARD possesses the technologies and extensive track record necessary for the construction of Malaccamax VLCCs.

“K” LINE will continue to contribute to a stable energy supply, particularly for Japan, during the transition toward decarbonization by providing safe and stable crude oil transportation services leveraging the “K” LINE Group’s expertise in the transportation of crude oil and the high-quality operations it has developed over many years.

Major Specifications of the VLCCs