K Line to answer GHG emission cuts with 'LNG+' plan

Photo: K Line

The goal of the initiative is to support the company in reaching the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

According to the New Year's statement  issued by Yukikazu Myochin, president and CEO of K Line, a simple switch from diesel oil to liquefied natural gas (LNG) will not be sufficient. Additional technologies, such as automated kites, providing wind propulsion to vessels, need to be explored as well. These kites, known as Seawings, will be supplied to K Line's fleet by Airseas as a part of a 20-year deal signed in 2019.

In his statement, Myochin also looked back at the company's Environmental Vision 2050, mentioning the already announced construction of a LNG-fueled car carrier, to be delivered in the last quarter of 2020. The initiative itself foresees a reduction of CO2 emissions by half and a switch to alternative fuels for the majority of the fleet.

K Line's skipper also vowed to accelerate research in alternative fuels such as ammonia, and methanation fuels in addition  to hydrogen.