Japan's K Line takes delivery of LNG-fuelled bulk carrier

Japanese shipping company K Line has taken delivery of the 210,000 dwt LNG-fuelled bulk carrier, Cape Hayate, which was under construction at the Japan Marine United Corporation Tsu Shipyard, the company announced on May 30.

The vessel is the first cape size bulk carrier operated and owned by the company to be equipped with a dual-fuel diesel engine that uses LNG as its main fuel. Compared to conventional heavy fuel oil, LNG fuel is expected to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by 25% to 30%, sulfur oxides by almost 100%, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by approximately 75%, complying with IMO's NOx Tier 3 regulations, K Line stated.

The 299.99 m long vessel will be engaged in a long-term continuous voyage contract with steel producer JFE Steel Corporation. JFE in 2021 signed long-term deals with NYK Line, K-Line and Mitsui OSK Lines to charter three 210,000 dwt LNG-fuelled bulk carriers.