SHI hands over LNG carrier to NYK

South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has delivered a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier ordered by Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) at the former’s shipyard in Geoje, South Korea.

The vessel, Quest Kirishima, will be chartered to Q United Energy Supply & Trading (QUEST), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyushu Electric Power, under a contract signed in 2022, which is also the year QUEST was formed.

According to NYK, Quest Kirishima was built for more efficient, economical, and environment-friendly operations. The ship is 293 meters long, with a breadth of 46 meters and 174,000-cubic-meter membrane-type cargo tanks featuring what the shipowner says is excellent heat insulation.

The vessel is also equipped with a WinGD-made dual-fuel slow-speed X-DF diesel engine with advanced fuel-consumption efficiency. It can operate on marine gas oil or boil-off gas stored in the cargo tank and has a re-liquefaction system that uses surplus boil-off gas.

NYK Group says it aims to deepen its existing core businesses and invest in new growth businesses in line with its medium-term management plan, ‘Sail Green, Drive Transformations 2026.’

Furthermore, the group wishes to leverage its experience, know-how, and networks to contribute to a stable energy supply in Japan and intends to work with Kyuden on multiple projects, including establishing a supply chain for next-generation energy such as green ammonia.

The Japanese player recently presented a design concept for Japan’s first Malacca Max type very large crude carrier (VLCC) that can run on methanol as an alternative fuel. The project was developed by a consortium comprising NYK, Idemitsu Tanker, IINO Lines, and Nihon Shipyard that was formed in January 2024.