JAPAN – July 18, 2025 — Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (K LINE) has marked another milestone in its green fleet transition with the delivery of the LNG-fueled pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) TETHYS HIGHWAY. Built by Shin Kurushima Toyohashi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., the 6,900-car capacity vessel is the latest addition to K Line’s growing lineup of dual-fuel vessels as the company accelerates its decarbonisation strategy.
A naming ceremony was held on the same day, where the vessel was officially named by Tsuguo Fukumura, Managing Executive Officer of Isuzu Motors Limited, the shipper, in honor of Tethys, the Greek goddess of the sea.
LNG Fueling a Cleaner Future for Vehicle Logistics
The TETHYS HIGHWAY is powered primarily by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 25–30% and virtually eliminate sulfur oxide (SOₓ) emissions, compared to conventional heavy fuel oil.
With growing regulatory pressure and customer demand for low-carbon transport, LNG is emerging as a practical and proven solution to reduce emissions in the PCTC segment. K Line’s investment in this technology aligns with its long-term sustainability vision and broader industry trends toward clean energy shipping.
“K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050: Ambition Beyond Compliance
The delivery of the TETHYS HIGHWAY directly supports the company’s “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 – Connecting the Blue Seas to Tomorrow, which aims for:
- 50% improvement in CO₂ emission efficiency by 2050 (vs. 2008)
(exceeding the IMO’s 40% target by 2030) - Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
To achieve these goals, K Line is exploring a range of alternative energy solutions including ammonia, hydrogen, bio-LNG, and synthetic fuels—paving the way for a multi-fuel, decarbonized future.
Vessel Specifications: TETHYS HIGHWAY
- Length: 199.96 meters
- Width: 38.00 meters
- Gross Tonnage: 75,259 tons
- Speed: 19.0 knots
- Draft: 9.00 meters
- Classification: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK)
- Flag: Japan
- Builder: Shin Kurushima Toyohashi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
LNG in the PCTC Segment: Momentum Continues to Build
The delivery of the TETHYS HIGHWAY reflects the rising adoption of LNG propulsion across the global PCTC segment. With several major car carriers now deploying dual-fuel vessels, LNG continues to prove its value as a compliant, commercially viable, and future-ready marine fuel.
As port infrastructure expands and bio-LNG technology matures, vessels like the TETHYS HIGHWAY are positioned to evolve seamlessly into carbon-neutral shipping assets.
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