A naming ceremony was recently held for a new very large gas carrier (VLGC) built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. This vessel is the sixth dual-fuel LPG carrier ordered by NYK and will be chartered by Astomos Energy Corporation for the global and domestic transport of LPG. The ship, named “Luna Pathfinder,” is designed with advanced features to support decarbonization efforts and can also carry ammonia, a fuel gaining attention for its potential in a decarbonized society.
Naming Ceremony and Vessel’s Name
The ceremony took place on August 5th at the Sakaide Works of Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The event was attended by approximately 50 people, including senior executives from Astomos Energy and NYK. The vessel was officially named “Luna Pathfinder” by Astomos Energy’s vice president, with his wife performing the traditional ribbon-cutting. The name “Luna,” referencing the Roman goddess of the moon, evokes a sense of peaceful and calm voyages. “Pathfinder” signifies the vessel’s role in guiding the industry toward a future of decarbonization.
Ship Features and Environmental Benefits
The Luna Pathfinder is equipped with a dual-fuel engine that can operate on both heavy oil and LPG. A key feature is its ability to generate electricity from the rotation of the propeller shaft, allowing the diesel generators to be shut down during normal navigation. This enables the ship to operate primarily on LPG fuel, significantly reducing its environmental impact. When using LPG, the vessel achieves a reduction of over 95% in sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions and more than 20% in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to traditional heavy fuel oil. Additionally, the vessel is designed to carry ammonia, a fuel source that is attracting increasing attention as a key component in achieving a decarbonized society.
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Source: NYK
