NYK, EnBW ink charter deal for LNG carrier quartet

Japanese shipping company NYK has signed long-term charter contracts for four new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers with EnBW Energie Baden-Wuerttemberg (EnBW), a major German energy company.

These four vessels will be built at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. in South Korea and will be completed in sequence during 2027. The ships will measure 289.9 meters in length, with a breadth of 46.1 meters.

The 174,000 cubic meter capacity membrane-type tanks will be made of advanced insulating materials that reduce the vaporization rate. The inside of the tank is covered with a nickel-steel or a stainless-steel membrane to maintain low temperatures and absorb gas expansion.

They will be propelled by fuel-efficient dual-fuel slow-speed two-stroke marine engines. fuel oil and boil-off gas (LNG vaporized in cargo tanks during navigation) can be used.

The LNG carriers will also feature a shaft generator and air lubrication system (ALS), making the ships more environmentally friendly than conventional LNG carriers, according to NYK.

“This conclusion is of great significance for further promoting the NYK Group’s ESG management. We will continue to provide EnBW with reliable LNG transportation services under our strong partnership, contributing to energy transitions around the world,” Yasuyuki Inami, Executive Officer, NYK Energy Division.

Recently, low and zero-emission fuels supplier Titan has completed gas-up and cool-down service for an LNG carrier owned by NYK Line. The vessel was built in 2021 by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co. and it has a total capacity of 174,000 cubic metres.