Japanese Shipbuilder Kawasaki Heavy Industries delivered the Bishu Maru LNG carrier to the compatriot shipper Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line).
The vessel with a capacity to transport 164,700 cubic meters is the second to be developed with the capability to pass through the new Panama Canal that was put into operation last year.
The shipbuilder noted that the vessel features an increased cargo tank which enables an increased LNG load while maintaining the hull size of conventional tankers that can enter the world’s major LNG terminals.
KHI added that the shape of the hull below the water line has been optimized for improved propulsion performance. The vessel also features the Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation’s developed high thermal efficiency steam turbine propulsion plant with reheat cycle.
Bishu Maru will be on a long-term charter with Chubu Electric and will deliver the chilled gas from the Ichthys, Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG projects in Australia.