Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd (K Line) has announced the delivery of its new LNG-fuelled car carrier, Oceanus Highway.
This vessel was constructed with the financial support of the Zero-Emission Accelerating Ship Finance programme, which is a collaborative initiative by the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). The programme aims to assist the maritime industry in reducing its carbon footprint.
Oceanus Highway has been awarded an A rating by ClassNK for its innovative design and high standards in environmental performance, reflecting its strong decarbonisation credentials.
The LNG-powered carrier is expected to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 25% compared to traditional fuel oil.
In addition, it adheres to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations for NOx Tier III and SOx emissions.
The vessel, with a carrying capacity of 6,900 vehicles, was built by Shin Kurushima Toyohashi Shipbuilding Co, Ltd.
Oceanus Highway aligns with K Line’s Environmental Vision 2050, which seeks to enhance CO2 emissions efficiency by 50 per cent by 2030 – exceeding the IMO’s target of 40 per cent – and to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
During a naming ceremony, the ship was officially christened Oceanus Highway by Mr. Kazuhiko Sumi, Managing Executive Officer of Mazda Motor Corporation.