NYK: First dual-fuel VLGC for Astomos named at KHI

On 2 September, Japanese shipbuilder Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) held a naming ceremony for a new very large gas carrier (VLGC) that the shipping company NYK will charter to LPG trader and importer Astomos Energy Corporation.

The ship, named Lupinus Planet, will be NYK‘s first liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) dual-fuel VLGC.

It is one of two identical units NYK ordered at the KHI Sakaide Works last year.

With a tank capacity of about 86,500 cubic metres, the newbuild features a length of 229 metres and a breadth of 37.2 metres.

When LPG is used as fuel, exhaust gas from the ordered VLGC will contain at least 85% less sulfur oxide (SOx) and 15% less carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to conventional VLGCs equipped with fuel-oil engines.

NYK said it aims to further strengthen its longstanding relationship with Astomos Energy and promote the development of an eco-friendly fleet to contribute to a low-carbon supply chain.