Japanese shipping giant K Line has finalized the consecutive deliveries of the 174,000 m³ sister LNG carriers Puteri Johor and Puteri Kedah from China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding for PETRONAS LNG Ltd. Equipped with efficient X-DF dual-fuel engines, these state-of-the-art vessels bolster Malaysia’s energy supply chain while directly advancing “K” Line’s strategic, long-term investments in global LNG infrastructure.
Tokyo | July 1, 2026 – Japanese shipping heavyweight Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) has finalized the delivery of a state-of-the-art LNG carrier duo destined for long-term charter with PETRONAS LNG Ltd. (PLL). The seamless double handover at China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. underscores the liner’s aggressive capital push into the global transitional energy market.
Following the delivery of the lead vessel, Puteri Johor, on May 29, 2026, the shipyard handed over its sister vessel, Puteri Kedah, on June 30, 2026. Both ultra-large gas carriers are owned through joint venture companies established by “K” Line and represent the latest deployment of advanced dual-fuel technology in mid-stream energy logistics.
Modern Fleet Expansion for Petronas
The multi-party venture, backed by heavyweight asset financing from Bank of Communications Financial Leasing, China Merchants Energy Shipping, and China Merchants Financial Leasing, will directly bolster PLL’s supply chain reliability. The addition of the twin vessels ensures the stable, long-term export of liquefied natural gas to emerging industrial hubs across the Asia-Pacific and European markets.
The structural naming convention pays direct homage to Malaysian geography: “Puteri” translates to princess in Malay, while “Johor” and “Kedah” represent critical economic and agricultural states in the southern and northwestern regions of the Peninsular, respectively.
Low-Speed Dual-Fuel Engineering Focus
For the marine engineering and bunkering sectors, the technological architecture of these vessels represents a major step forward in operational efficiency. Built under Hudong-Zhonghua’s high-efficiency large LNG design blueprint, both ships leverage advanced low-speed propulsion architectures to drastically lower methane slip and overall fuel consumption.
Technical Profile: PUTERI JOHOR & PUTERI KEDAH
| Specification Metric | Vessel Technical Profile |
| Length Overall (LOA) | Approximately 299 meters |
| Beam (Width) | Approximately 46 meters |
| Total Tank Capacity | Approximately 174,000 cubic meters ($\text{m}^3$) |
| Propulsion Plant | X-DF (Dual-Fuel Low-Speed Diesel Engine) |
| Design Service Speed | 19.5 knots |
The adoption of the WinGD X-DF (Generation 2) engine technology allows these vessels to dynamically switch between low-impact natural gas boil-off and conventional marine fuels. Running primarily on gas mode enables a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas outputs, cutting nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx) to meet the strictest Tier III compliance standard set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Mid-Term Strategy: Betting Big on LNG
The rapid expansion of “K” Line’s energy portfolio is a direct execution of its landmark Medium-Term Management Plan. First published in May 2022, the strategic framework targeted the global LNG shipping business as a top-priority investment channel.
As global heavy industry continues its staggered shift away from coal and heavy fuel oils toward transitional gaseous fuels, the demand for high-capacity, highly efficient tonnage has intensified. By cementing multi-year long-term charters with major national energy producers like PETRONAS, “K” Line is successfully insulating its balance sheet from the volatility of the container spot market while locking in predictable, long-term cash flows tied directly to global energy security.
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