“K” LINE orders four high-pressure ME-GI LNG dual-fuel car carriers for its KESS European short-sea fleet, featuring vacuum-insulated tanks to eliminate methane slip.
Tokyo | June 4, 2026 – Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has formalized shipbuilding contracts with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. for the construction of four 1,380-vehicle capacity LNG dual-fuel car carriers. The vessels will deploy directly into the fleet of “K” Line European Sea Highway Services GmbH (KESS), the group’s wholly owned European short-sea and coastal roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) subsidiary.
Designed specifically to navigate the stringent size and draft restrictions typical of European car-import ports, the newbuilds are engineered to give KESS a structural competitive advantage in frequent, small-lot regional transport. The vessels feature a 1A Ice Class rating and are equipped with 60-ton capacity straight stern ramps, significantly enhancing the subsidiary’s capability to handle heavy, oversized, and diverse cargo formats beyond standard passenger vehicles.
High-Pressure Propulsion & Methane Slip Mitigation
From a marine engineering and bunkering perspective, the vessel specifications represent a sophisticated effort to minimize the traditional environmental trade-offs of LNG propulsion.
Each vessel will be powered by a high-pressure Everllence ME-GI engine paired with a shaft generator. This high-pressure combustion architecture inherently reduces emissions of methane slip (unburnt greenhouse gas) compared to low-pressure alternatives.
Furthermore, “K” LINE has optimized the auxiliary machinery configuration to tackle Boil-Off Gas (BOG). While conventional vessels utilizing high-pressure main engines typically route excess BOG to fuel their auxiliary generator engines, these newbuilds will feature advanced vacuum-insulated LNG fuel tanks. By drastically reducing ambient heat transfer, these tanks minimize BOG generation at the source, streamlining the machinery layout and keeping methane emissions to an absolute minimum.
Drop-in Fuel Flexibility and 2050 Vision
Compared to conventional heavy fuel oil (HFO), the baseline LNG operation is projected to slice carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 25% to 30%, while virtually eliminating sulfur oxides (SOx) air pollution by nearly 100%.
Crucially for the bunker market, “K” LINE has confirmed that the vessels are being positioned for further decarbonization pathways. The group intends to introduce drop-in carbon-neutral and zero-emission fuels into the ships’ operational lifecycles, specifically evaluating the future deployment of:
- Bio-LNG (Liquefied Bio-Methane)
- Bio-diesel
The fleet expansion aligns directly with the group’s overarching corporate strategy, “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future. Revised in 2020, the roadmap targets net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 through the aggressive adoption of transitional LNG, continuous integration of bio-LNG, and the ultimate introduction of zero-emission fuels like ammonia and hydrogen.
Car Carriers – Vessel Dimensions & Technical Profile
- Overall Length: Approx. 129.95 meters
- Beam (Width): Approx. 20.5 meters
- Maximum Capacity: Approx. 1,380 vehicles
- Ice Class: 1A
- Main Engine Type: High-pressure ME-GI with shaft generator
- Fuel Storage: Vacuum-insulated LNG tanks
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