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 .