First LPG-Powered LPG/ammonia Carrier order from NYK

Japanese shipping company NYK Line has placed its first order for a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied ammonia gas (NH3) carrier powered by LPG fuel at compatriot shipbuilding company Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI).

The 86,700-cbm vessel has separate cargo tanks designed to carry LPG and ammonia at the same time. KHI plans to complete the construction of the vessels at its Sakaide Works in 2024.

Key Features

The advantage of these types of vessels is their capability to simultaneously carry LPG, which is already a low-carbon energy source, and ammonia, which is also a green marine fuel.

Another feature is the greater capacity of cargo tanks than in conventional carriers. In the meantime, achieving this without significantly changing the vessel’s length, breadth, or other main specifications, according to the company.

In addition, the vessel facilitates a shaft generator that converts the rotational energy of the main engine into electric power. This enables the gas carrier to stop all the diesel generators under normal sea-going conditions.

Environmental Footprint

To meet environmental standards being tightened globally, the carrier will run on low-sulfur fuel oil and LPG which is expected to reduce the emission volumes of sulfur oxides [SOx], CO2, and other pollutants. Furthermore, the unit will meet SOx emission standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Not to mention the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase 3 regulations, which will adopt stricter CO2 emission standards in 2022. 

In the future, KHI plans to develop and build more LPG-fuelled carriers and other commercial vessels that meet environmental standards. Additionally, plans to develop other eco-friendly marine technologies, to contribute to the establishment of a low-carbon/decarbonized society. The company recently secured a contract from compatriot energy company Eneos Ocean Corporation to build another LPG-powered LPG/ammonia carrier.

Meanwhile, KHI announced that it has concluded the first shipbuilding contract with K-line for a new LPG/LAG carrier.