Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (‘K’ Line) together with Hyundai Glovis has placed four shipbuilding contracts for 174,000m3 LNG carriers with Hanwha Ocean Co for 2027 delivery.
The vessels have been ordered for long-term Time Charter contracts with major LNG producer QatarEnergy through joint venture companies. QatarEnergy will allocate the newbuild vessels to global transport of LNG. The 294.7m long vessels will be equipped with WinGD X-DF2.2 iCER main engines, together with VCR and other energy saving devices which will contribute to reduction of GHG emissions and lower fuel consumption. Additionally, the vessels will obtain OCCS-Ready notation from classification societies by conducting an evaluation for future installation of onboard carbon capture systems (OCCS), in anticipation of further GHG reduction.
The order is part of QatarEnergy’s second shipowner tender under its LNG fleet expansion programme, involving time charter party agreements with four international shipowners for the operation of 19 LNG vessels.
Since the delivery of the first Japanese LNG carrier Bishu Maru in 1983, ‘K’ Line has been building experience of LNG transportation and developing its worldwide network. ‘K’ Line and QatarEnergy have a long-term relationship through several existing projects. In its Medium-Term Management Plan ‘K’ Line has placed LNG business as one of the top priority areas in its future investment.
Image: Contract signing between ‘K’ Line. Hyundai Glovis and QatarEnergy (source: QatarEnergy)
