Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K LINE) has named its newest LNG carrier TOHO EMERALD during a ceremony at Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea. Owned via a joint venture with Toho LNG Shipping, the vessel features an ME-GA dual-fuel engine designed for high efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Scheduled for delivery in October 2026, the ship will support Toho Gas’s operations and advance “K” LINE’s strategic growth objectives in the global LNG transport sector.
Tokyo, Japan | September 10, 2026 – Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. announced that the naming ceremony for a newbuilding LNG carrier was held at a Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. facility in South Korea on September 9, 2026. Owned through a joint venture with Toho LNG Shipping Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Toho Gas Co., Ltd., the vessel was officially named TOHO EMERALD.
The TOHO EMERALD will play a vital role in supporting the global energy supply chain through the transportation of liquefied natural gas, including dedicated services for Toho Gas. Equipped with an ME-GA dual-fuel engine designed to operate primarily on LNG, the vessel achieves highly efficient operations while substantially reducing environmental impact. Combining superior exhaust gas performance with economic efficiency, the ship is designed to serve as a state-of-the-art asset for next-generation LNG logistics.
The naming ceremony marks another milestone in K LINE’s ongoing corporate strategy. Under its Medium-Term Management Plan published in May 2022, K LINE has positioned the LNG carrier business as a core growth driver. By securing long-term contracts, the company aims to stabilize earnings, meet growing global energy demands, and address the diverse needs of its customers.
Vessel Background and Significance
The vessel is owned through T.K. LNG Shipping Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based joint venture established between K LINE and Toho LNG Shipping. The name EMERALD was chosen to symbolize the future, foresight, and stability, expressing the companies’ shared commitment to supporting a stable energy supply and the sustainable growth of the Toho Gas Group.
Scheduled for delivery in October 2026, the vessel incorporates advanced marine engineering features tailored for long-haul reliability and low-emission operations.
Main Particulars of the TOHO EMERALD
| Parameter | Specification |
| Shipbuilder | Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. |
| Delivery | October 2026 (tentative) |
| Length Overall (LOA) | Approx. 290 m |
| Beam | Approx. 45.8 m |
| Tank Capacity | 174,000 m3 |
| Propulsion System | ME-GA dual-fuel engine |
| Speed | 19.5 knt |
About Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (K LINE)
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (K LINE) is a leading global provider of maritime transportation services, specializing in a wide range of vessels, including car carriers, bulk carriers, container ships, LNG carriers, and tankers. Founded in 1919, the company has built a reputation for excellence in shipping operations, with a strong focus on safety, environmental sustainability, and innovation.
As a pioneer in the maritime industry, K LINE has consistently embraced cutting-edge technologies and best practices to improve operational efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of its fleet. The company is committed to advancing the shipping industry’s transition toward a more sustainable future, with ongoing efforts to adopt low-impact fuels and technologies, such as LNG and ammonia, to reduce emissions and support decarbonization.
At the heart of K LINE’s mission is a dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its customers while contributing to global environmental sustainability. Through innovation and responsible practices, K LINE is shaping the future of the maritime industry.
Source: K Line