Japan’s KHI delivers LPG-fuelled LPG, NH3 carrier

Japanese shipbuilder Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) has delivered an LPG-fuelled LPG and ammonia carrier to domestic shipping firm Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line) and LPG importer Astomos.

KHI announced on 28 June that it built the 86,700m³ very large gas carrier (VLGC) Gas Amethyst at its Sakaide shipyard in Kagawa prefecture, and has delivered it to NYK Line and Astomos. NYK Line and Astomos will hold the vessel under a joint ownership.

The ship is equipped with a dual fuel engine, which can burn LPG and conventional marine fuel. The VLGC can reduce sulphur oxide emissions by more than 95pc and CO2 emissions by over 20pc by consuming LPG, as compared to burning heavy oil. The VLGC can also be retrofitted to consume ammonia as shipping fuel.

The vessel is designed to carry LPG and ammonia at the same time, given prospects of future demand growth of ammonia as a carbon neutral fuel.

Japanese companies have accelerated efforts in seeking alternative fuels for shipping to achieve decarbonisation. Shipping firm Mitsui OSK Line (Mol) conducted a joint study with domestic shipbuilders to develop ammonia-fuelled mid-sized ammonia and LPG carriers, targeting commissioning of the first vessel by 2026. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding plans to build two methanol-fuelled coastal roll-on roll-off vessels and deliver them within the April 2027-March 2028 fiscal year. Mol, KHI and their partners have been developing a hydrogen-fuelled multi-purpose ship. Shipbuilder Japan Marine United in May delivered an LNG-fuelled Capesize bulk carrier to domestic shipping firm Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha.

By Nanami Oki