Kumiai navigation pencils in new LPG-powered LPG/ammonia carrier at KHI

Japanese shipbuilder Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) has signed a contract for Kumiai Navigation (PTE) LTD for a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)/liquefied ammonia gas (NH3) fueled tanker that will be fueled by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

As announced, the 86,700 cbm vessel will be fitted with separate cargo tanks designed to transport LPG and ammonia at the same time.

The advantage of this multi-purpose vessel is its ability to transport LPG, which is already used as a low-carbon energy source, and ammonia at the same time.

Another feature is the larger capacity of the cargo tanks compared to conventional ships, which has been achieved without significantly changing the ship’s length, beam or other key specifications, the company says.

Fueled with low-sulphur heating oil and LPG (which significantly reduces the emission levels of sulfur oxides (SOx), CO₂and other pollutants in the exhaust gases compared to ship fuel), the ship meets the SOx emission standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as well as the IMO’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) phase 3 regulations applicable, more stringent CO enacted₂ Emission standards in 2022.

Since January 2015, SOx emission regulations have been enacted in the Emission Control Areas (ECAs) of Europe and America, mandating a fuel sulfur content of 0.1% or less.

Additionally, from January 2020, ships navigating in marine areas in all other parts of the world must use fuels with a sulfur content of 0.5% or less or use alternative equipment to reduce the SOx content of exhaust gases to an equivalent level.

Phase 3 compliance (30% CO2 reduction) is also required for some types of vessels such as large LPG and LNG (liquefied natural gas) tankers₂ -Emissions from Baseline (Phase 0)) is required for ships commissioned for construction in 2022 and later.

To meet the world’s more stringent environmental standards and implement action plans outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other initiatives, Kawasaki plans to develop and build more LPG-powered LPG vans.

These products include ships for transporting liquid hydrogen, which is considered a next-generation energy source.

The latest contract represents the 82nd LPG tanker, 19th LPG-powered LPG tanker and 12th LPG/NH3 tanker to be built by Kawasaki. Kawasaki plans to complete construction of the vessels at its Sakaide facilities in 2026.

As a reminder: In February 2023, Kumiai Navigation doubled its order for dual-fuel VLGC newbuilds from KHI to two ships.