Kumiai Navigation takes delivery of LPG dual-fuel gas carrier

Singapore shipowner Kumiai Navigation's new gas carrier from Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) could later be converted to run on ammonia.

IMAGE: LPG dual-fuel gas carrier Aurora Borealis. Kawasaki Heavy Industries

The 86,700-cbm gas carrier Aurora Borealis has separate cargo tanks so it can carry liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ammonia at the same time.

It is the 14th ship in KHI's series of LPG dual-fuel carriers for LPG and ammonia, and the 21st LPG-capable vessel the shipbuilder has completed.

ClassNK has approved a concept design for a system that would let the vessel use ammonia as fuel. KHI said the vessel's design could therefore be modified so it could run on ammonia in the future.

KHI has delivered three other LPG-capable ships in the series this year:  

In January, KHI delivered Lucent Pathfinder, which Japanese shipping company NYK Line named earlier that month for charter to energy firm BGN.

In April, Kumiai Navigation received Aurora Guardian, sister ship to Aurora Borealis.

In August, Lyla Pathfinder became NYK Line’s eighth LPG dual-fuel carrier and joined BGN on charter.

There are 183 LPG dual-fuel vessels in operation globally, with another 184 on order through 2030, according to DNV data.

By Nachiket Tekawade

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