KHI Delivers New LNG Carrier

Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) delivered the Shinshu Maru, a 177,000 m3 capacity liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport vessel for use by Trans Pacific Shipping 7 Limited.

Trans Pacific Shipping 7 is a joint venture between JERA Co., Inc. and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line).

"This large-scale LNG carrier is equipped with four independent Moss LNG tanks for a total cargo capacity of 177,277 m3. By increasing the LNG tank diameter to the maximum installable limit and utilizing stretched tanks, Kawasaki has successfully expanded the maximum LNG carrying capacities of carriers designed to pass through the newly expanded Panama Canal," said a press release from KHI.

The second of Kawasaki's line of 177,000 m3 capacity LNG carriers to be commissioned, this ship is designed to enable passage through the newly expanded Panama Canal, which opened for full operations in 2016. The Shinshu Maru will be used by JERA to transport LNG procured via the Freeport LNG Project in the U.S.

The vessel features standard LNG carrier hull dimensions in order to enable docking at major LNG terminals around the world while offering larger cargo tanks for increased transport capacity, thus cutting LNG transport costs and facilitating more flexible LNG trade operations by shipowners.

Kawasaki has optimized the hull structure to decrease overall ship weight, enhanced the hull-shape design, and adopted a two-motor, twin-screw propulsion system to achieve the best propulsive performance possible, while also integrating a DFD electric propulsion system which increases fuel efficiency at all speeds.

Moving forward, Kawasaki will continue to pursue shipbuilding operations in light of the anticipated rise in demand for LNG and other clean-energy fuels.