Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” Line) has agreed the execution of four long-term time charter contracts through joint venture companies with state-energy company QatarEnergy.
The joint venture companies, sponsored by “K” Line together with Hyundai Glovis, have concurrently executed shipbuilding contracts for 174,000m3 LNG carriers with Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd.
The ship main particulars will be with a length overall of about 294.9m, beam of 46.4m, tank capacity 174,000m3, propulsion system X-DF, and a speed of 19.5knt.
QatarEnergy is a large LNG producer and will allocate the newbuilding vessels to transport LNG around the world.
The newbuilding vessels will be equipped with low-speed dual-fuel engine with gas at low pressure X-DF2.2 iCER, a technology to optimize the compression ratio of the main engine ‘VCR,’ and other energy saving devices.
Additionally, the new building vessels will obtain OCCS-Ready notation from classification society, by conducting an evaluation for future installation of the OCCS (onboard carbon capture and storage), in anticipation of further GHG reduction.
Since the delivery of “Bishu Maru” in 1983 as the first Japanese LNG carrier, “K” Line has been establishing expertise on LNG transportation and developing its worldwide network for over 40 years.
“K LINE and QatarEnergy have had long-term relationship through several existing projects. The new four time-charter contracts will further strengthen the business relationship,” reads the statement of “K” Line.
In the company’s medium-term management plan published in May 2022, “K” Line has placed LNG business as one of the top priority areas in the future investment.
The aim of the company is to “further expand long-term contracts and accommodate growing energy demands by responding to various customers’ needs.”
