K Line bets on LNG, ammonia as part of decarbonisation strategy

Japanese shipping company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) plans to launch about 40 LNG-fuelled ships by 2030, and several ammonia-fueled vessels by 2028.

PHOTO: Model of ammonia-fuelled bulk carrier. K Line

K Line has self-imposed a target of halving its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

As part of its long-term plans, the company intends to tap into the alternative fuel supply market and develop infrastructure for an alternative fuel supply network.

“LNG and LPG are also fossil fuels and emit CO2 emissions when consumed as fuel, although comparatively less than conventional heavy oil. Meanwhile, a significant feature of ammonia is that it does not emit CO2 emissions, even when burned. Accordingly, we expect ammonia to become a vital type of fuel in achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions,” says Toyohisa Nakano, executive officer in charge of GHG reduction strategy at K Line.

Last week, K Line received an approval from classification society ClassNK for its ammonia-fuelled bulk carrier concept vessel. The 200,000-dwt ammonia-fuelled newcastlemax bulk carrier has been built by Nihon Shipyard and is scheduled to be delivered by 2026.

By Konica Bhatt

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