Transport communications

Portcare International is the press relations consultancy for the shipping and logistics industry. Formed by transport people for transport people. We can truly claim to understand our clients’ needs and ‘talk the same language’. Portcare provide effective, value for money PR to some of the industry’s best-known names.

"K" Line

Japanese Shipping Industry Begins Consideration of Donating a New Training Vessel to JMETS

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE)

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line)

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL)

The Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA)

Recognising the critical importance of training and securing highly skilled Japanese seafarers to maintain and further develop maritime transport, which is a vital infrastructure for Japan’s economy and daily life, major Japanese ocean-going shipping companies, NYK Line (President: Takaya Soga, Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), MOL (President: Takeshi Hashimoto, Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo), and “K” LINE (President: Takenori Igarashi, Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), along with the Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA) (President: Hitoshi Nagasawa, Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), have initiated concrete discussions regarding the donation of a large-sized training vessel to the Japan Agency of Maritime Education and Training for Seafarers (JMETS) from the Japanese ocean-going shipping industry.

As identified in the report by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)’s study group on JMETS’s medium-term strategy, JMETS has been facing various challenges such as an unstable financial foundation, fewer actual on-board training days due to escalating fuel costs, shortages of instructors and crew, and the issue of accommodating students with varying proficiency levels and qualification goals on the same training vessel. These factors make it challenging for JMETS to provide sufficient on-board training, and additionally JMETS is also facing the issue of aging training vessels and school buildings. Considering these circumstances affecting JMETS, our industry has decided to begin exploring the donation of a large-sized training vessel to actively support the steady progress of JMETS’s medium-term reforms based on MLIT’s study group report.

The first step will be to examine the concrete specifications for the training vessel and engage in discussions with shipyards, aiming for completion around 2030.

We sincerely hope that JMETS’s reforms will progress steadily based on the MLIT study group’s report, and that our donation of this training ship will contribute to the healthy and stable development of training and securing highly skilled Japanese seafarers.

Reference:

MLIT Study Group on the Future of JMETS (Japanese only):

https://www.mlit.go.jp/maritime/maritime_fr10_000040.html

Contact:

Public Relations Office, Planning Division, The Japanese Shipowners’ Association

Email: pub-office@jsanet.or.jp

Notes to Editors:

JMETS (Japan Agency of Maritime Education and Training for Seafarers) is Japan’s principal institution for seafarer education and training. It operates eight maritime schools and maintains a fleet of five large training vessels nationwide. – https://www.jmets.ac.jp/

“K” LINE Group Ship Management Company Receives MPA Safety@Sea Awards from Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that K MARINE SHIP MANAGEMENT PTE. LTD. (hereinafter “KMSM”), our in-house ship management company, received the “MPA Safety@Sea Awards” from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The award recognizes the outstanding efforts of organizations and individuals who have contributed towards ensuring safer seas, and is presented across four distinct categories.

Award Ceremony (Photo Credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA))

From left:
Capt. Shoji Fukuda, Chief Executive Officer, KMSM and Mr. Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

KMSM received the award in the “Outstanding Contribution to Search and Rescue Effort” category—an achievement attributed to the exemplary rescue operation performed in May 2024 by the M/T TONEGAWA, under KMSM`s management, in the Indian Ocean, which earned widespread acclaim. The vessel received a request for assistance in rescuing the crew of the fishing boat from MRCC Colombo (Maritime Rescue Coordination Center) and successfully rescued all six crew members.

The awards ceremony was held during the opening session of the International Safety@Sea Conference*1 on July 15, with Mr. Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive, MPA, in attendance.

The “K” LINE Group includes “providing safe and optimized services” as part of its corporate principle and vision. To fulfill its responsibilities to society through safe navigation, “K” LINE Group has established the following three policy pillars.*2

(1) Enhancing the management structure to ensure safety in navigation

(2) Strengthening the ship management structure

(3) Reinforcing the securing and training of maritime technical personnel

The “K” LINE Group will continue to work toward the realization of both social and economic value through excellence in safe navigation and transportation quality management, sustainable growth and increased corporate value by supporting the infrastructure of the global community as a partner trusted by all of its stakeholders.

*1 International Safety@Sea Conference:

The International Safety@Sea Conference is a key event held during the Safety@Sea Week, an annual initiative organized by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). It serves as a global platform to promote maritime safety and foster collaboration among international maritime professionals.

https://www.safetyatseaweek.gov.sg

*2 “K” LINE’s policy on promoting safe navigation:https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/social/safety.html

LNG-fueled Car Carrier “TETHYS HIGHWAY” with a 6,900-vehicle Capacity Delivered

A car carrier with a capacity of 6,900 vehicles has been delivered to Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) on July 18. The vessel is mainly fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and had been constructed by SHIN KURUSHIMA TOYOHASHI SHIPBUILDING CO., LTD.

A naming ceremony was held on the day of the delivery, and the vessel was named TETHYS HIGHWAY” (the “Vessel”) after a sea goddess from the Greek mythology by Mr. Tsuguo Fukumura, Senior Executive Officer of the shipper Isuzu Motors Limited.

TETHYS HIGHWAY

Using LNG fuel is expected to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas (GHG), by 25% to 30% and emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), which cause air pollution, by almost 100% in comparison with conventional vessels using heavy fuel oil.

In “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 -Blue Seas for the Future-*¹, it 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.” As an action plan, it will continue to work on the introduction of new fuels which have a low environmental impact and take on the challenge of achieving the targets it has established. 

Vessel Particulars

Main Measure :  LOA 199.96 meters x Beam 38.00 meters x Depth 38.07 meters x Draft 9.00 meters

Gross Ton :  75,259 tons

Speed :  19.00 KTS

Class :   ClassNK

Flag :  Japan

Builder :  SHIN KURUSHIMA TOYOHASHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd.

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

Naming and Delivery Ceremony

As part of our action plan to reduce GHG, it is 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/ja/sustainability/environment/management.html

“K” LINE selected as a Constituent of FTSE4Good Index Series

“K” LINE selected as a Constituent of FTSE4Good Index Series, FTSE Blossom Japan Index and FTSE Blossom Sector Relative Index

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has been selected as a constituent of the “FTSE4Good Index Series”, one of the leading global indices for ESG investing, for the fourth year straight and 21st time in total. “K” LINE has also been listed as a constituent of “FTSE Blossom Japan Index” for eight years in a row and “FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index for the fourth consecutive year respectively, since those indices were initially launched.

Created by the global index provider FTSE Russell (the trading name of FTSE International Limited and Frank Russell Company), the FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, selecting 1,175 companies from developed countries including 278 Japanese companies, and 870 companies from emerging countries. On the other hand, FTSE Blossom Japan Index and FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index reflect the performance of Japanese companies that demonstrate strong ESG practices (405 companies and 683 companies are selected respectively out of 1,347 constituents of FTSE Japan All Cap Index). These indices have been adopted as a benchmark of ESG investing by Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) in Japan. Those indices are used by a wide variety of market participants to create and assess responsible investment funds and other products.

The “K” LINE Group regards “sustainability management” as one of the key issues for achieving medium- to long-term enhancement of corporate value, and aims to create both economic and social values in a sustainable manner by striving to achieve both the continuous development of the Group and its contribution to a sustainable society. Going forward, the “K” LINE Group will continue to contribute to the resolution of social issues, including climate change, while pursuing growth opportunities and enhancing corporate value.

“K” LINE starts use of Bio-LNG fuel for Car Carrier

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce its first use of bio-LNG fuel supplied by Shell Western LNG B.V. (Shell) to the car carrier “OCEANUS HIGHWAY”.

The vessel received 500 tons of bio-LNG from Shell at the Belgium port of Zeebrugge on June 16, 2025.

The bio-LNG fuel (liquefied bio methane, LBM), derived from renewable organic waste and residue, is ISCC-EU*1 certified to have a carbon intensity of less than zero on a lifecycle basis*2, from fuel production to consumption.

Bio-LNG is a drop-in solution that is fully compatible with existing LNG infrastructure, making it an effective means of decarbonization for the shipping industry.

“OCEANUS HIGHWAY” using Bio LNG

Dexter Belmar, Vice President of Shell Downstream LNG said: “Bio-LNG is a scalable solution we can use today. It is great for Shell to collaborate with key shipping players like “K” LINE that are taking the lead in the adoption of bio-LNG. Together, we’re helping to build industry-wide momentum in the transition to renewable fuels. Bio-LNG’s increasing availability and commercial viability gives our customers confidence that their dual-fuel LNG fleets are ready to further reduce emissions.”

Hiroto Arai, the General Manager of the “K” LINE Environmental/Technical Strategy Group said, “Our goal is to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in maritime transport is one of our top priorities. Our beginning to use bio-LNG fuel is a significant step towards our net-zero GHG emissions goal. Additionally, we feel that our partnership with Shell, a leading global energy company, puts us in a position where we will be able to substantially impact the shipping industry’s transition to renewable fuels. We will continue to work diligently on the introduction of renewable fuels to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.”

In “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future,*3 we have set a 2030 interim target of improving CO2 emission efficiency by 50% from 2008, surpassing the IMO target of a 40% improvement. Furthermore, we have set our new target for 2050, net-zero GHG emissions. As an action plan, we will continue to work to introduce new low environmental-impact fuels and take on the challenge of achieving the targets we have set.

*1  International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC)-EU of sustainable maritime fuel ensures the sustainability of feedstock production, the full end-to-end traceability of sustainable products through the supply chain, and the verified reduction of life cycle emissions in accordance with the EU’s RED II.

*2 The certified life cycle carbon intensity of less than zero is based on a methodology that includes avoided CO2e emissions from improved agricultural practices in line with RED II. *3 “K” LINE Environmental Vision 205: Blue Seas for the Future
As an action plan for GHG reduction, we are introducing zero-emission fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen fuels, as well as carbon-neutral fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic fuels. https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/environment/management.html

“K” LINE Group-Managed Vessels Received 2024 Best Quality Ship Awards

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that the OCEANIC BREEZE, managed by K Marine Ship Management Pte. Ltd., and the CAPE SAPPHIRE, managed by “K” Line RoRo Bulk Ship Management Co., Ltd., have received the 2024 Best Quality Ship Awards from the Japan Federation of Pilots’ Associations (JFPA).*1Both companies are “K” LINE in-house ship management companies.

The Best Quality Ship Awards were established in 2003 to raise awareness about safe navigation and the protection of ports and the marine environment.

Several aspects of the vessels were evaluated, such as the condition of the vessels’ boarding arrangements, navigation equipment, discipline on board and the high-level safety awareness of crew members.

The JFPA comprehensively evaluated vessels that had requested pilot services in pilotage districts in Japan in September and October 2024, and then presented awards to nine vessels, including two “K” LINE Group managed vessels, recognizing them for their excellence. Certificates and plaques were presented by the JFPA at an award ceremony held on June 26, 2025.

The “K”LINE Group includes “providing safe and optimized services” in its corporate principle and vision. To fulfill its responsibilities to society through safe navigation, “K” LINE Group has established the following three policy pillars.*2

(1) Enhancing the management structure to ensure safety in navigation
(2) Strengthening the ship management structure
(3) Reinforcing the securing and training of maritime technical personnel

*1 Japan Federation of Pilots’ Associations:

Under the revised Pilotage Law, the JFPA was founded by a number of Pilots’ Associations in Japan in 2007.

https://pilot.or.jp/english/e_frame.htm

*2 “K” LINE’s policy on promoting safe navigation:

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

The Naming Ceremony

From left:
Capt. Shoji Fukuda, Chief Executive Officer, K Marine Ship Management Pte. Ltd.
Capt. Yukinori Takao, President, JAPAN FEDERATION OF PILOTS’ASSOCIATIONS

Hiroshige Tanioka, President & C.E.Officer, “K” Line RoRo Bulk Ship Management Co., Ltd.

LNG (liquefied natural gas) carrier OCEANIC BREEZE
LOA: 288.00 m
Beam: 48.9 m
Gross Tonnage: 136,894
Bulk Carrier CAPE SAPPHIRE
LOA: 299.95 m
Beam: 50.0 m
Gross Tonnage: 107,850

“K” Line Press Statement : The article about equity financing

June 19, 2025
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.

The article published on June 19, 2025 in the Nikkei newspaper (online edition) stating that media suggesting that Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) considers equity finance. “K” LINE would like to clarify that it is NOT considering such equity finance.

Naming Ceremony for Northern Lights Liquefied CO2 Carrier “NORTHERN PATHFINDER”

On June 17, 2025, a naming ceremony was held for the liquefied CO2 carrier “NORTHERN PATHFINDER” (the Vessel) newly built for Northern Lights JV DA (Northern Lights)*1 in Oslo, Norway. She is the second of three same designed vessels for which Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has been awarded for their ship managements. The Minister of Education of Norway, other government officials, Managing Director of Northern Lights Tim Heijn and people involved in the project were invited to attend the ceremony. Director and Chairperson of the Board Yukikazu Myochin attended as a representative of “K” LINE.

The Norwegian Ministry of Energy organized the Longship Launch Event held on the day of the ceremony and the following day to celebrate the official commencement of the Longship project.*2 On June 18, members of the Norwegian Royal Family, government officials, and people involved in the project were welcomed onboard the Vessel.

The Vessel will be deployed in the world’s first full-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) value chain project*3, transporting liquefied CO2 from recovery facilities in Norway to a receiving station in عgarden in western Norway. The Vessel will be managed by “K” LINE ENERGY SHIPPING (UK) LIMITED, a London-based subsidiary of “K” LINE.

The Vessel was delivered at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. on December 27, 2024 and successfully moved to Norway.

In line with “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050, its long-term environmental policy, the “K” LINE group is actively promoting various initiatives aimed at supporting our own decarbonization efforts and those of society. “K” Line will drive the CCS business and leverage the knowledge gained from the operation of liquefied CO2 carriers in future business development with the aim of achieving a sustainable society and enhancing its corporate value.

Photo by Stine سtb
From left:
“K” LINE ENERGY SHIPPING (UK) LIMITED Hroar Skofteby (Captain of Northern Pathfinder)
Kari Nessa Nordtun (the Minister of Education for Norway)

Photo by Sjur ضer峠Knudsen (Location: Grenland Havn)
From left:
“K” LINE Kei Onishi (Corporate Officer)
H.R.H. The Crown Prince Haakon of Norway

*1 Northern Lights was established in March 2021 through a trilateral joint investment by Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies, responsible for the transportation and storage of liquefied CO2 in the project.

*2 The Longship Project is the world’s first international full-scale CCS project for capturing, transporting, and storing industry-derived carbon dioxide (CO2) under the sea bed led by the Norwegian government. As one of the components of the Longship Project, the Northern Lights Project is responsible for the transportation of captured CO2 by ship and its storage under the seabed of the North Sea.

*3 January 30, 2025: Delivery of Liquefied CO2 Carrier “NORTHERN PATHFINDER” to Northern Lights

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/liquefied_gas/liquefied_gas-20250130.html

*4 November 26, 2024: Ready for Delivery of Liquefied CO2 Carrier “NORTHERN PIONEER” to Northern Lights

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/liquefied_gas/liquefied_gas-20241126.html

“K” LINE Marks Successful Debut at Intermodal South America 2025

São Paulo, Brazil — Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) proudly announces the successful first-time participation in Intermodal South America 2025, held in São Paulo from April 22 to 24.

Intermodal South America 2025 is the largest logistics-related exhibition in South America and attracts more and more attention every year as a place where many companies closely related to our car carrier business, including those in the automobile and construction equipment industries, freight forwarders, and trading companies, gather to exchange information on the latest technologies and trends. This year’s event attracted 500 exhibitors and more than 44,000 visitors.

Our exhibition booth experienced a steady flow of visitors, including long-term clients, new partners, and key industry stakeholders. In addition, the event served as an opportunity to connect with freight forwarders and project cargo shippers.

Many visitors expressed admiration for “K” LINE’s innovation, leadership, and enduring commitment to providing sustainable logistics solutions in the region.

Following Intermodal, on April 25, 2025, Americas Agent Meeting was held in São Paulo, bringing together with 10 Latin American countries’ agents and about 50 global executives to exchange information on market condition and business strategies. A highlight of the session was an inspiring presentation by Mr. Lierson Gomes, General Motors South America Logistics and Purchasing Director. His presentation title was “Logistics Digital Transformation”, offered insightful perspectives on the evolving logistics landscape.

These events further make “K” LINE Car Carrier Division’s market presence stronger in Latin America, while reinforcing the company’s global presence and strategic vision for future growth.

“K” LINE and Yinson Production partner to jointly develop and market FSIU and liquefied CO2 carrier solutions

Singapore/London, 17 June 2025 – “K” LINE ENERGY SHIPPING (UK) LIMITED (“KLES”), a London-based subsidiary of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), and Yinson Production have entered into an agreement to jointly develop and market solutions for the transportation and injection of liquefied CO2, leveraging each party’s respective core expertise. Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), KLES and Yinson Production will jointly develop and market a floating storage and injection unit (FSIU) and a liquefied CO2 carrier. The collaboration will target carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects being developed mainly in Europe.

For CCS projects worldwide, offshore sequestration is a safe and efficient way of permanently storing large volumes of CO2. FSIUs are well suited to serve as a safe, reliable and cost-efficient solution for offshore CCS projects where it is difficult to secure sufficient land for an onshore CO2 receiving terminal, or where the distance between a receiving terminal and the offshore storage site would require an extended pipeline. As such, FSIUs are being considered for several projects, including the Havstjerne carbon storage project in Norway. The Havstjerne carbon storage project is 40% owned by Stella Maris CCS, a unit of Yinson Production.

Yinson Production operates a fleet of floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) and floating storage and offloading (FSO) vessels and has extensive expertise in engineering, design, and operations in the offshore energy sector. Since 2021, Yinson Production has been steadily developing its carbon value chain, with direct investment in carbon capture technologies.

The “K” LINE Group has a long history and diverse track record in owning, operating and managing liquefied gas carriers. Since 2024, KLES has managed two liquefied CO2 carriers for the world’s first commercial CO2 transport and storage service.

The thriving partnership that “K” LINE and Yinson Production have cultivated began in 2018 in the FPSO sector. Both parties co-own FPSOs Anna Nery and John Agyekum Kufuor in Brazil and Ghana, respectively. Through this MoU, the companies further strengthen their partnership and leverage their combined expertise to develop integrated solutions for the transportation and injection of liquefied CO2 in the CCS value chain. This initiative supports the decarbonisation of industries and society.

Lars Gunnar Vogt, Chief Technical Officer of Yinson Production, said: “This collaboration with “K” LINE builds on our longstanding relationship and complements our deep knowledge of offshore marine systems. By combining our FPSO and offshore engineering expertise with “K” LINE’s proven CO2 shipping capabilities, we are well positioned to contribute to the development of innovative services that will enable large-scale carbon transport and storage. This provides a one-stop solution to help industrial emitters achieve their decarbonisation targets. We look forward to supporting the growth of the CCS sector and accelerating progress toward global decarbonisation.”

Kei Onishi, Corporate Officer of “K” LINE, said: “Our collaboration with Yinson Production builds on a strong foundation established through FPSO business and reflects our shared commitment to enabling scalable CCS solutions. By combining their offshore engineering expertise with our experience in CO2 shipping, we are developing an offshore unloading capability and bespoke transport solutions to serve a broader range of CO2 storage sites. This will complement traditional port-to-port transport models for CCS Value Chain and offer emitters greater flexibility in meeting their decarbonisation goals.”

In line with “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050, its long-term environmental policy, the “K” LINE Group is actively promoting various initiatives aimed at supporting its own decarbonisation efforts and those of society. “K” LINE will drive its CCS business with the aim of achieving a sustainable society and enhancing its corporate value.

An illustration of a FSIU in the foreground, receiving cargo from a LCO2 carrier in the background.

About Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE)

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) founded in 1919 is one of the largest shipping companies in the world. “K” LINE has a long history and diversified track-record in ownership and technical management of liquefied gas carriers since delivering its first LPG carrier in 1974 and first LNG carrier in 1983. Based on such extensive experience of safe navigation and cargo operation of liquefied gas carriers, “K” LINE will contribute to safety and reliable liquefied CO2 transportation in the new CCS market. “K” LINE Group, as a globally trusted logistics company rooted in the shipping industry, will continue to work toward realizing low-carbon and carbon-free business operations and supporting decarbonization of society as a whole in order to realize a sustainable society and increase its corporate value, based on its corporate philosophy of “helping make the lives of people more affluent”.

About Yinson Production

“Passionately delivering powerful solutions”

Yinson Production is a leading independent owner and operator of floating production, storage and offloading (“FPSO”) vessels worldwide. With a current fleet of 10 vessels, Yinson Production has an order book of over USD 19 billion until 2048 and global presence in 10 countries.

Yinson Production’s position as a top tier FPSO contractor is driven by its excellent track record in project execution, industry-leading safety and uptime performance, and a leadership position in sustainable FPSO designs. Yinson Production’s innovative Zero Emissions FPSO Concept is paving the way for the decarbonisation of the FPSO industry.

Yinson Production is a business of Yinson Holdings Berhad, a global energy infrastructure company active in offshore energy with Yinson Production, renewable energy with Yinson Renewables, and green technologies with Yinson GreenTech.

For more information, please visit www.yinson-production.com