7th July 2017
“DRIVE GREEN HIGHWAY,” a 7,500RT large-scale car carrier operated by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (hereinafter “’K’ Line”), has been selected as recipient of the grand award of “Ship of the Year 2016” by the Japan Society of Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers. The award ceremony was held on July 7.
“Ship of the Year” has been annually awarded to the most technically, artistically and socially conscious vessel built in Japan. The award was established in 1990 and this year is the 27th anniversary.
The eco-flagship, “DRIVE GREEN HIGHWAY,” was built in recognition of our role to help lead the maritime industry in facing environmental issues, such as marine & air pollution, ecosystem protection and global heating. Sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) are recognized as major causes of acid rain, and carbon dioxide (CO2) as cause of global heating. “DRIVE GREEN HIGHWAY” is equipped with innovative technologies that contribute to reduction of air pollutant emissions. (*1)
“DRIVE GREEN HIGHWAY” was honored not only for its advanced equipment ahead of international regulations that will become effective, but also for its outstanding contribution to the maritime industry. On February 2, soon after delivery of the vessel, an unveiling party and onboard tour for the public were held at Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal in Yokohama. The ceremony was reported in and outside of Japan, receiving broad national international attention. (*2)
The construction of “DRIVE GREEN HIGHWAY” is a key milestone toward the goals set in our “Environmental Vision 2050.” We also place a high value on ESG (Environment, Social & Safety and Governance) in our new medium-term management plan as well.
Going forward, “K” Line will continue to pursue diverse environmental protection initiatives, including the development of measures to prevent air pollution, in order to help curb increasingly heavy environmental loads on a global scale.