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K Line to expand fleet with methanol-ready bulk carriers

Japan’s K Line is expanding its fleet dry bulk flee with an order at a Japanese yards for methanol-ready ships.

Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent

January 22, 2024

1 Min Read
K Line bulker
Image: K Line

K Line has signed a contract with the Japanese shipbuilder Nihon Shipyard, a joint venture between Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) and  Imabari Shipbuilding, for the construction of three methanol-ready post-Panamax bulkers.

The 92-type bulkers, also known as K Line’s “Corona-series,” are wide-beam, shallow-draught coal carriers optimally designed for the transportation of coal to coal-fired power plants in Japan and have been developed by Nihon as next-generation, environmentally friendly ships.

The new ships will feature 40% improvement in CO2 emissions efficiency based on NSY’s optimal ship development, including the newest main engine and the adoption of energy-saving accessories, said K Line.

“Moreover, the methanol-ready ship concept which assumes a shift toward methanol, a marine fuel with a low environmental footprint, will be adopted,” said the company.

K Line is also working with partners on the development of an ammonia-powered 200,000 dwt bulker. The basic design won AiP in 2022, and K Line is working with ITOCHU Corporation, Nihon Shipyard, Mitsui E&S Machinery Co., and NS United Kaiun Kaisha to take delivery of the Newcastlemax bulker and begin its social implementation in 2026.

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About the Author

Michele Labrut

Americas Correspondent

Michèle Labrut is a long-time Panama resident, a journalist and correspondent, and has continuously covered the maritime sector of Central & Latin America.

Michèle first came to Panama as a press attaché to the French Embassy and then returned to the isthmus as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s.

Author of Seatrade Maritime's annual Panama Maritime Review magazine and of several books, Michèle also wrote for Time magazine, The Miami Herald, NBC News and the Economist Intelligence Unit. She has also collaborated in making several documentaries for the BBC and European and U.S. television networks.

Michèle's profession necessitates a profound knowledge of the country, but her acumen is not from necessity alone, but a genuine passion for Panama.

In 2012 she was awarded the Order of Merit (Knight grade) by the French Government for her services to international journalism and in 2021 the upgrade to Chevalier grade.

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