Transport communications

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“K” LINE’s Operated Vessel to Receive Supply of Marine Biofuel for the First Time in Japan

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that on Monday, December 9, marine biofuel was supplied to VIKING OCEAN, a car carrier it operates, at Yokohama Daikoku C-4 Terminal, a finished-vehicle terminal operated by the “K” LINE Group. This is the first time that “K” Line has supplied biofuel to its operated vessels in Japan. The owner of the vessel is Norwegian based Gram Car Carriers, a long-term partner of “K” LINE.

Marine biofuel has the potential to become an environmentally friendly alternative fuel. and the FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) component of the marine biofuel will be able to reduce CO2 emissions by about 84% in the well-to-wake (from fuel generation to consumption) process without changing current engine specifications.

VIKING OCEAN being fueled with marine biofuel

This marine biofuel contains 24% of FAME blended with very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) and is expected to reduce the emissions from the voyage of the VIKING OCEAN by approx. 190 tons of CO2.

The marine biofuel is made from renewable organic resources, such as biomass which don’t utilize as foodstuff and feed crop.

VIKING OCEAN being fueled with marine biofuel

In “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 -Blue Seas for the Future- *¹, “K” LINE has set the 2030 interim target of improving CO2 emissions efficiency by 50% compared with 2008, surpassing the IMO target of a 40% improvement. Furthermore, it sets its new target for 2050 as “The Challenge of Achieving Net-Zero GHG Emissions.” In the action plan for this vision, “K” LINE will continue working to introduce alternative fuels that will enable it to reduce its environmental impact, as it works to achieve the targets above.

*¹ “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future

As part of our action plan to reduce GHG, we are engaged in a number of initiatives, for instance introducing zero-emission fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen fuels, and carbon-neutral fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic fuels.

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/environment/management.html

“K” LINE Held FY2024 Global Meetings for LNG Group and Carbon Solution Business Group

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) held global meetings at its headquarters—on December 16 for the LNG Group and December 17 for the Carbon Solution Business Group. The meetings were attended by a total of 17 national staff and resident employees from eight overseas offices, engaging in active discussions.

In the LNG Group meeting, the group shared its position and role in the medium-term management plan as well as recent progress. Each office presented a review of their activities over the past year and discussed current challenges. Furthermore, they deliberated on marketing strategies in each region as future action plans. By continuously strengthening integrated marketing between shore and marine/technical teams, the group aims to enhance competitiveness and pursue new projects through collaboration across all locations.

Global meeting
LNG Group commemorative photo

The Carbon Solution Business Group meeting focused on liquified CO2 transportation as one of the businesses to support the decarbonization of society, and participants discussed business strategies with members from overseas offices. As a part of the “K” LINE Group’s liquified CO2 transportation business, the newly built liquefied CO2 carrier “NORTHERN PIONEER” was delivered and entered service in the Northern Lights project, the world’s first full-scale CCS value chain project. By sharing knowledge gained from this project and contributing to the development of CCS projects with liquefied CO2 shipping that will sequentially begin to operate in Japan and overseas in the future, we aim for realizing a sustainable society and increasing “K” LINE’s corporate value.

Going forward, “K” LINE plans to regularly hold global meetings to share the ideal vision of the department from a global perspective, strengthen inter-office collaboration and activities at each office, and enhance competitiveness through improved customer-focused services. As the energy mix transitions, “K” LINE is committed to providing high-quality transportation services and contributing to the decarbonization of both the company and society.

Notice Concerning Setting Record Date for Voting Rights at Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders / Notice Concerning the transition to the “Company with Nominating Committee”

Please be advised that “K” Line Tokyo Head Office made the following press releases today.  Please refer to the attached PDF documents.

This information is also available on the Website both in English and Japanese.

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/

  • Notice Concerning Setting Record Date for Voting Rights at Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders
  • Notice Concerning the transition to the “Company with Nominating Committee, etc. “.

TT Club applauds UK Parliamentary calls for more resource to tackle freight crime

The specialist freight transport insurer has long campaigned for heightening awareness of freight crime and the need for additional security and policing resources.  TT therefore greatly welcomed the recent cross-party parliamentary debate on the issue, and the resulting support for increased Governmental resource to resolve the growing risk.

London, 12th December 2024

The UK’s House of Commons debate held earlier this month was a significant step in highlighting an issue that has a high degree of impact on public safety and the UK’s economy, in particular its future growth much relied upon by the current Government. It also acknowledged the lack of resource specifically targeted at fighting freight crime.   

National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) is under-supported and under-funded. Their specialist freight crime investigation team currently has just one full-time serving police officer on secondment, a part-time analyst and a part-time data entry clerk. It does not have the resources to tackle organised crime on a national scale.

TT has long supported NaVCIS financially and practically. Mike Yarwood its MD Loss Prevention said, “We very much welcomed the airing of this issue at a legislative level.  The detailed aspects of both opportunistic and well planned theft; the lack of secure overnight parking facilities; the identification of crime hotspots as well as concerns over driver safety, which is discouraging female recruits, were all discussed and their significance put into perspective as priorities to be addressed.”

The UK’s road haulage industry, which moves 89% of all goods and 98% of agricultural and food products in the country contributes £13.5 billion to the economy. This represents 5.6% of the UK’s GDP. Every pound generated by the logistics industry creates three pounds down the supply chain and contributes to the economy, highlighting the widespread impact of freight crime for the UK.

Pointing to these facts Rachel Taylor MP, who led the parliamentary debate outlined the principle political implication, “Tackling freight crime is essential to achieving the Government’s five missions,” she said.

TT will maintain its efforts. Yarwood is vice-chair of the industry-led HGV Parking Capacity and Standards Task and Finish group, which the UK’s Department for Transport helped establish. Yarwood is leading the workstream focused on standards at lorry parking facilities and working with NaVCIS Freight and other industry stakeholders is producing an industry led report, which will advise the government on recommendations to reduce freight crime. 

“Our report is aimed at providing a detailed analysis of the current state of freight crime and offer practical solutions to enhance security and reduce incidents. In underscoring the importance of industry and government working together to safeguard the logistics sector, we hope our collaboration will encourage others to add their weight to the efforts fight crime,” concluded Yarwood.

ENDS

About TT Club

TT Club is the established market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. Its mission is to make the industry safer, more secure and more sustainable. Established in 1968, TT Club currently services more than 1400 Members – container owners, operators, ports, terminals and logistics companies, working across maritime, road, rail and air. The Club is renowned for its high-quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring Member loyalty. Its average annual customer retention rate is consistently over 95%, with some Members having chosen to insure with the Club for over 50 years.

https://www.ttclub.com

“K” Line : Unveiling event of Geo-Survey Vessel EK HAYATE

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.

Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.

“K” Line Wind Service, Ltd.

EGS Survey Pte Ltd

EK Geotechnical Survey LLC

EK Geotechnical Survey LLC (EKGS), which is a joint venture between “K” Line Wind Service (KWS, a joint venture between Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. (“K” LINE) and Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha Ltd. (“K” LINE KINKAI)) and EGS Survey Pte. Ltd. (EGS) held an unveiling event for the marine geotechnical survey vessel EK HAYATE at Hiroshima Port during the last week of November. Around 120 visitors toured the vessel, mostly comprising representatives from the offshore development sectors of wind power generation, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and marine infrastructure construction.

Unveiling Event

Geotechnical survey can clarify the subsurface structure of the seabed, to determine feasible areas for the implementation of offshore wind power and consider the layout planning and design of the facilities. The Japanese-owned and flagged vessel is currently based in Hiroshima and is available for forward booking for geotechnical survey campaigns in 2025. The twin tower drilling apparatus has an established track record with EK HAYATE’s former sistership which proved invaluable for securing early confirmation of compatibility between vessel and deck operations.

Sampling, in-situ testing and laboratory test services are coupled with stable station-holding capabilities to deliver an efficient survey program.

In addition to EK HAYATE, EKGS will continue to provide high-quality marine survey services by utilizing “K” LINE Group’s and EGS Group’s respective vessels to meet demand in this busy sector.

Length Overall78m
Beam17m
Drought6.3m
Deck Area750㎡
Total Berths50 people
 (including the vessel’s crew)
FlagClass NK
Home PortKure (Hiroshima)

KWS

KWS is a joint venture between “K” LINE and (“K” LINE KINKAI) and has been functioning, since its establishment in 2021, as a business platform of “K” LINE Group for any vessel and transportation business servicing Offshore Wind projects in order to contribute to the offshore wind development to reach carbon neutrality in Japan by 2050. KWS will continue to provide offshore support vessel services with “K” LINE Group’s fleet and further expand the expertise to various types of offshore wind vessels.

EGS

EGS Survey Pte Ltd is part of the EGS Group. Founded in 1974, EGS is a marine survey company with offices around the world, including Asia, Australia, Americas, Europe and the Middle East. EGS provides marine geological survey services for offshore infrastructure development including renewable energy, oil and gas and telecommunications and has a strong reputation for professional integrity in data acquisition, analysis and reporting. In Japan’s coastal waters, EGS has over 20 years of track record of survey services for submarine telecommunication cables.

Related Release

October 3, 2024: ESTABLISHMENT OF A JOINT VENTURE FOR OFFSHORE GEO-SURVEY
―Delivery of geo-survey vessel EK HAYATE to Japan―

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/carbon-neutral/carbon-neutral-20241003.html

KLPL Carried Out Emergency Response Drill

“K” Line Pte. Ltd. (KLPL), a Singapore-based subsidiary that is wholly owned by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), carried out “the Emergency Response Drill” on December 10, 2024, assuming a maritime accident involving an oil tanker operated by K Marine Ship Management Pte. Ltd. (KMSM). The drill was based on a scenario where the vessel ran aground after an engine malfunction during anchoring operations at the port of Kikuma, at which time it began leaking oil and some of its crew were injured. KLPL established an accident response task force, discussed the response with KMSM, coordinated with internal and external parties and confirmed the information sharing system in order to verify the emergency response framework.

Safety in navigation and cargo operations is “K” LINE Group’s top priority as a shipping company, requiring thorough, ongoing efforts of this nature. In its Medium-Term Management Plan, the “K” LINE Group has positioned “Safety and Ship quality management” as its strength. Moving forward, the Group will continue to contribute to society by preparing for unforeseen circumstances through “the Emergency Response Drill” and by ensuring daily safe operations of its vessels.

Related link

Learn more about “K” LINE’s initiatives for safety in navigation and cargo operations at the following link:

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/social/safety.html

Ambition 2027: GEODIS unveils its strategic plan to deliver more innovative, sustainable and ethical logistics solutions

  • GEODIS is drawing on a model that has proven its agility and resilience in recent months as it unveils a new strategic plan, Ambition 2027, which aims to go still further in achieving operational and financial performance.
  • At the heart of this plan is an ambitious roadmap to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and be recognized as a leader in sustainable logistics.

GEODIS, world leader in transport and logistics, today announces its new strategic plan, Ambition 2027. This strategic plan, a continuation of the previous plan covering the period from 2018 to 2023, is intended to project the Group into the future, while building on its achievements and continuing to focus on its purpose: “Serving people by delivering their goods all around the world with innovative, sustainable and ethical logistics.”

More than ever, the logistics sector is facing a number of changes, and it must be able to respond to its customers’ growing need for adaptability and efficiency. Ambition 2027 meets these challenges through three key objectives, which are set to steer GEODIS’s activities over the next three years: 

  • Supporting its customers in their global logistics projects with diversified, tailored, value-added solutions.
  • Generating faster growth in the Group’s financial performance and operational quality.
  • Prioritizing social and environmental commitments as a central pillar in our growth strategy.

Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS, said: “In an increasingly uncertain and unpredictable world, GEODIS is constantly adapting and evolving to provide our customers with logistics solutions in which all modes of transport play a part, and which fully meet their expectations. The Ambition 2027 strategic plan strengthens our focus on operational, financial, social and environmental performance while staying true to the Group’s signature, ‘a better way to deliver’.”

Ambition 2027 is based on 6 key ambitions:

  • An ambition for business development: as a growth partner to its clients through the  diversity of its lines of business and its solutions, GEODIS aims to maintain its growth and increase its business volumes, while maintaining its commitment to quality through customer focus and a solutions-oriented approach. The Group’s ambition is to achieve faster growth than the logistics market; this will be driven by the introduction of new tools and by sales personnel totaling around 1,500.
  • An ambition for operational and economic performance: GEODIS has upgraded the operational systems of its lines of business over the past decade through a series of long-term investments. Its cost structure and tools are now scaled to absorb new volumes and leverage operational productivity without compromising quality of service.
  • An ambition to further enhance the excellence of GEODIS: the quality of the service provided by the Group is widely acknowledged, with a very high level of customer satisfaction, illustrated by a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of +37 in 2024.
  • An ambition for digital innovation: substantial investments have been made in Data, Enterprise Architecture and Cyber Security, and the Group does not plan to change its course. By way of example, 3.5% of revenues were invested in technologies in 2024, including in digital tools.
  • An ambition for external growth: external growth constitutes significant potential for development. This is why GEODIS made several acquisitions in 2023, in line with its ambition to support customers worldwide and meet all their logistics needs.
  • An ambition for sustainable and ethical development: GEODIS has undertaken an ambitious decarbonization strategy and has put the health and safety of its employees, as well as dialogue with the whole range of its stakeholders, at the heart of its corporate strategy. GEODIS intends to increase its electric vehicle fleet tenfold by 2030.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in four lines of business: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport, and European Road Network. With a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and 53,000 employees, GEODIS is ranked no. 5 in its sector across the world. In 2023, GEODIS generated €11.6 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group.

HPC Secures Key Project to Explore CNG Fuel Switch for Lake Kivu Vessels and Surrounding Transport

Exploring the potential of locally-produced CNG to revolutionize transport sustainability and reduce emissions in the Lake Kivu region.

Hamburg, 2 December 2024 – HPC Hamburg Port Consulting GmbH (HPC) is proud to announce that it has successfully presented a detailed market analysis and pre-feasibility study on the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to power vessels on Lake Kivu and related land transport vehicles to major stakeholders in Kigali, Rwanda, after being awarded by Central Corridor Transit Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (CCTTFA) in August. This initiative represents a significant collaboration with the CCTTFA, Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), and other key stakeholders, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions in the region.

The study’s overarching goal is to evaluate the feasibility of transitioning from diesel and petrol-powered vessels and vehicles to those fueled by CNG, a cleaner and more sustainable alternative. This project aligns with Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to exploit the methane gas reserves of Lake Kivu and convert them into CNG for local use. It forms part of a broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security.

CCTTFA’s Role and Vision

CCTTFA, a multilateral agency established by Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda governments, is leading this project as part of its mission to improve transport infrastructure and services along the Central Corridor. The agency’s involvement highlights the strategic importance of Lake Kivu and the surrounding regions within the broader regional transport network.

“Embracing cleaner and more sustainable fuel sources is crucial for the future of transport in the Central Corridor,” said Emmanuel Rutagengwa,Head, Transport Policy & Planning at CCTTFA. “This study, conducted in partnership with MININFRA, HPC, and our local collaborators, is a vital step towards realizing our vision of a greener transport system that leverages local resources, benefiting not just Rwanda but the entire region.”

HPC’s Scope in Driving Sustainable Solutions

HPC’s scope of work for this project includes conducting a comprehensive status-quo analysis of the existing vessel fleet on Lake Kivu, assessing the technical and operational feasibility of a fuel switch, estimating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and identifying budget requirements and potential funding sources.

“We are honoured to continue our partnership with CCTTFA and MININFRA in advancing Rwanda’s vision for a sustainable future,” said Ehab Habib, Vice President Middle East & Africa at HPC. “This project not only builds on our previous work but also sets the stage for significant advancements in green transport technologies in the region.”

Collaboration for a Greener Future

This collaborative effort aims to deliver critical insights to guide the Rwandan government, private sector stakeholders, and other regional partners in developing and implementing an effective fuel switch program. The findings could extend beyond Lake Kivu to other lakes and transport modes within the Central Corridor, fostering a broader transition to CNG-powered transport.

HPC has a longstanding history of delivering comprehensive and impactful port consulting services globally. This latest project reaffirms HPC’s commitment to advancing sustainable transport solutions that meet today’s needs while safeguarding the future.

Further information on the range of consulting can be found on the website: www.hamburgportconsulting.com

“K” Line support for the Museo Del Galeón Maritime Museum in the Philippines

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that it has participated as sponsors of the Museo del Galeón*1, a maritime museum being built in Pasay City in the Philippines with its business partner in the Philippines, Rayomar Management, Inc. (Rayomar).*2 It aims to support the cultural contribution to the maritime industry in the Philippines that this museum, along with Rayomar, aspires to achieve.

On November 29, a presentation ceremony was held in Manila to donate model galleons to the museum. The ceremony was attended by Chairperson Carlos C. Salinas and Director Gerardo A. Borromeo from the museum, President Garcia from Rayomar, and President Yukikazu Myochin from “K” LINE. Galleons were large sailing ships used by Spain and Portugal from the 16th to the 18th centuries.

The museum will showcase the history of the galleon trade*3, during which galleons were used, that took place between the Philippines and Mexico from 1565 to 1815. The museum is scheduled to open to the public on October 8, 2025.

By supporting this initiative, “K” LINE hopes to contribute to the promotion of the maritime industry in the Philippines, which provides more seafarers than any other country.

From left:
“K” LINE Managing Executive Officer Akihiro Fujimaru
Rayomar President Jose Ramon R. Garcia
“K” LINE President Yukikazu Myochin
Rayomar Chairperson Ramon C. Garcia
Museo del Galeón Chairperson Carlos C. Salinas
Ventis VP Kennette F. Clavel

*1.         It is a non-profit organization accredited by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Museo del Galeón Inc.: https://museodelgaleon.org/

*2.         In 1989, we established a joint venture to create a staffing agency for Filipino seafarers. We are engaged in the recruitment and placement of Filipino seafarers, providing stable staffing for our operating vessels. Additionally, in 2017, we established a joint venture to create a finished vehicle logistics company, becoming an important partner in “K” LINE’s logistics business.

Rayomar Management, Inc.: https://www.rayomar.com.ph/

*3.         Galleon trade route, known as the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade, played a vital role in connecting Asia, America, and Europe during the colonial period. This trade not only promoted commerce but also facilitated the exchange of culture, ideas, and goods. The museum is scheduled to open to the public on October 8, 2025. The galleon trade had strong ties to Japan as well. In the late 16th century, Japan was one of the world’s leading silver-producing countries, making silver a key commodity in the galleon trade. This silver was shipped to Spain via Mexico and exchanged for goods in Europe and other Asian countries.

“K” LINE concludes Long-Term Time Charter Agreement with GAIL (India) Limited for New LNG Vessel

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce the execution of a long-term time charter contract through the ship-owning company established in Singapore with GAIL (India) Limited (GAIL)1 and signing ceremony was held in India. The ship-owning company has also concluded a shipbuilding contract with Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (Samsung) for a 174,000 m3 LNG carrier.

This is the first long-term time charter contract between GAIL and “K” LINE involving a newly built vessel. The plan is for this new vessel to be engaged in LNG transportation for GAIL beginning in 2027.

From the left:
Sumit N. Jha, Chief General Manager (Marketing–Intl LNG & Shipping), GAIL
Sumit Kishore, Executive Director (BD and E&P), GAIL
S. Bairagi, Executive Director (Marketing–Intl LNG & Shipping), GAIL
Sanjay Kumar, Director (Marketing), GAIL
Rakesh Kumar Jain, Director (Finance), GAIL
Satoshi Kanamori, Managing Executive Officer, “K” LINE
R. K. Singhal, Director (Business Development), GAIL
Noriyuki Fukushima, Manager, LNG Team No. 3, LNG Group, “K” LINE
Akiyuki Shiba, LNG Team No. 3, LNG Group, “K” LINE

In the 40 years since the delivery of the first Japanese LNG carrier “Bishu Maru” in 1983, “K” LINE has been establishing its expertise in LNG transportation and developing a worldwide network. The signing of the new contracts is a successful result of “K” LINE’s abundant experience supervising vessel construction, its high-quality ship management, and its ability to boast the highest level of safety in its commercially optimized operations.

In our Medium-Term Management Plan published in May 2022, *2 “K” LINE has positioned the LNG business as one of its top priority areas for future investment. This agreement is part of our strategy “Acquiring opportunities in future growth markets such as Asia” identified in our Medium-Term Management Plan. “K” LINE will continue to expand its long-term contracts and accommodate the growing demand for energy by responding to the diverse needs of its customers.

*1 GAIL(India) Limited is India’s largest state-owned natural gas company.

https://gailonline.com/ABGailstory.html

*2 Medium-Term Management Plan (Released on May 9th, 2022)

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/ir/management/strategy.html

Vessel Specifications

ShipyardSamsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
Delivery2027
LOAApprox. 290 m
Beam45.8 m
Tank Capacity174,000 m3
Propulsion System2-Stroke
Speed19.5 knots