NYK Line orders two LNG-fuelled large coal carriers

Japanese shipping firm NYK Line has ordered a pair of LNG-fuelled large coal carriers from Oshima Shipbuilding. The vessels are scheduled to be delivered by 2025.PHOTO: A model of LNG-powered coal carrier ordered by NYK Line. NYK Line

NYK says the new vessels will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations.

It claims that the two vessels will emit negligible amount of sulphur oxide (SOx), 80% less nitrogen oxide (NOx), and 30% less carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to vessels running on conventional fuels.

NYK sees LNG as a “bridge solution” fuel until other alternative fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia become widely available.

LNG appears to be the preferred alternative fuel choice for a lot of ship owners. Classification society DNV’s data shows that the number of LNG-powered vessels in operation or on order has gone up by 142 since last year, to 388 this year.

This number will more than double in the next few years. A total of 840 LNG-powered vessels are registered as in operation or on order towards 2028.

In September, Singapore-based shipping company Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) ordered four LNG-fuelled container ships for a charter deal with US logistics company Crowley Maritime.

By Tuhin Roy

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