139-metre and 1,800 CEU capacity MALACCA HIGHWAY © Kai Ortel

K Line orders four 1,380 CEU capacity LNG-fuelled car carriers for European operations

Ro-roKawasaki Kisen Kaisha, (K LINE) has signed contracts with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. to build four LNG dual-fuelled car carriers for its European subsidiary, KESS (K Line European Sea Highway Services GmbH).

The new vessels, each capable of carrying approximately 1,380 vehicles, are designed for European short-sea shipping and comply with size restrictions at several European ports.

Equipped with 60-tonne straight stern ramps, the vessels will be able to transport heavy and oversized cargo in addition to passenger vehicles, increasing operational flexibility.

The LNG-powered ships are expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 25–30% and virtually eliminate sulphur oxide emissions compared with conventional heavy fuel oil vessels. They will also feature advanced ME-GI engines and vacuum-insulated LNG tanks to reduce methane emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

The order supports K LINE’s Environmental Vision 2050, which targets net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The company plans to explore the use of bio-LNG and other low-carbon fuels as part of its ongoing decarbonisation efforts.

Each vessel will measure approximately 130 metres in length and 20.5 metres in width and will be built to Ice Class 1A standards.

jun 04 2026