Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), alongside JERA Co., Inc. (JERA) and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), marked a significant milestone as their LNG bunkering vessel “Kaguya” completed its 100th ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation in Japan’s Mikawa Bay. This achievement highlights the joint venture’s efforts to meet the growing demand for LNG as a marine fuel in the Chubu region, driven by an increase in LNG-fueled vessels worldwide.
Highlights of the LNG Bunkering Operation
- The “Kaguya” Vessel: Launched in October 2020, “Kaguya” is Japan’s first LNG bunkering vessel, named after Japan’s oldest folktale, “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” symbolizing strength and longevity. It supplies LNG to vessels directly in ship-to-ship transfers.
- Environmental Benefits: LNG, compared to traditional heavy fuel oil, reduces emissions significantly—cutting sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter by about 100%, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by up to 80%, and carbon dioxide (CO2) by about 30%.
- Contributions to “K” LINE’s Environmental Vision: Under its “Environmental Vision 2050 – Blue Seas for the Future,” “K” LINE aims to improve CO2 emissions efficiency by 50% by 2030 (surpassing the IMO’s 40% target) and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Future Outlook
The joint venture, which includes Central LNG Shipping Japan Corporation and Central LNG Marine Fuel Japan Corporation, is committed to advancing LNG as a cleaner marine fuel. The milestone with “Kaguya” represents a step forward in “K” Line’s commitment to sustainable shipping practices and reducing the maritime industry’s environmental impact.
As part of its action plan, “K” LINE will continue supporting decarbonization efforts by expanding its LNG bunkering services to meet rising demand in the region and beyond, contributing to its 2050 net-zero emissions target.
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Source: K-Line
