Communications are the press relations consultancy for the Shipping and logistics industry
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has decided to provide a monetary donation of 2 million yen through the Japanese Red Cross Society toward relief efforts in the areas damaged by the earthquake that hit the central Myanmar on March 28, 2025.
“K” LINE would express its most sincere sympathy to all those affected by the earthquake and pray for the soonest recovery of the damaged area.
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Representative Executive Officer, President & CEO: Takenori Igarashi, hereinafter ““K” LINE”) and Kamigumi Co., Ltd. (Head office: Kobe City, Hyogo, President & CEO: Yoshihiro Fukai, hereinafter “Kamigumi”) concluded a share transfer agreement on September 27, 2024, under which “K” LINE would establish a holding company that would become the parent company of “K” LINE LOGISTICS, LTD. (hereinafter “K” LINE LOGISTICS) to which “K” LINE would transfer all of the shares of “K” LINE LOGISTICS held by “K” LINE, and “K” LINE would transfer 47% of the total shares of the holding company to Kamigumi.
“K” LINE today announces that it has transferred 47% of the total shares of the holding company, established on February 14, 2025, in accordance with the details of the agreement, to Kamigumi.
Outline of the Joint Holding Company
| Company Name | KLKG Logistics Holdings, Co., Ltd. |
| Description of Business | Holding Company of “K” LINE LOGISTICS, LTD. |
| Location of Head Office | 1-1 Uchisaiwaicho 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan |
| Shareholder and Share Ownership Ratio | Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. 53%, Kamigumi Co., Ltd. 47% |
| Representative | Representative Director: Keiji Kubo |
Reference
News Release on September 27, 2024:
Notice of the Establishment of a Holding Company of Consolidated Subsidiary of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE LOGISTICS, LTD.) and the Partial Transfer of the Company’s Shares to Kamigumi Co., Ltd.
https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/logistics/logistics-20240927.html
News Release on February 14, 2025:
Notice of the Establishment of a Holding Company of Consolidated Subsidiary of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE LOGISTICS, LTD.) and the Partial Transfer of the Company’s Shares to Kamigumi Co., Ltd. (2)
https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/logistics/logistics-20250214.html
On April 1, Takenori Igarashi, Representative Executive Officer, President & CEO Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) made his inaugural speech at its head office.
The environment surrounding us is changing at an unprecedented speed. There is the spread of technologies to reduce our environmental impact and the construction of supply chains for the use of new energy as part of decarbonization; the rapid and widespread advance of digital transformation, which includes the use of generative AI; and efforts not only to address the shortage of human resources in various parts of the world, but also to secure diverse human resources and collaborate across industries.
Recently, in addition to the uncertain outlook for geopolitical risks in places such as the Middle East and Ukraine, since the inauguration of the new presidency in the United States this January, uncertainty over global energy and trade policies has also increased. There are moves to introduce policies that could have a major impact on the speed of the shift toward low-carbon and decarbonization, as well as on the supply chain and transportation demand itself, with the raising of customs tariffs on specific countries and products, and the introduction of port entry fees at US ports for ships operated by Chinese shipping companies and ships built in China. The uncertainty of the current business environment outlook is increasing.
Despite these conditions, the “K” LINE Group, under the leadership of former President Yukikazu Myochin, has been steadily advancing a five-year medium-term management plan announced in May 2022, and is bolstering the earnings base of its own businesses, centered on three businesses that will drive growth, by viewing changes such as decarbonization as business opportunities.
In the Coal & Iron Ore Carrier Business, we are working to further strengthen the relationships we have cultivated with customers in Japan, South Korea and China by leveraging customer-oriented and environmental sales. At the same time, we are also working to strengthen relationships with customers in the Indian and Middle Eastern markets, and with major resources companies.
In the Car Carrier Business, we are strengthening our earnings base in a way that meets the needs of our customers by reorganizing our route network, introducing environmentally friendly vessels that achieve low carbon emissions, and increasing the volume of High & Heavy cargo.
In the LNG Carrier Business, in addition to the existing markets of Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe, we are stepping up our efforts in new markets such as Southeast Asia and India, and are on track to expand from our current fleet size of 46 vessels to 65 vessels by fiscal 2026.
Our new business initiatives are also progressing smoothly. The Northern Lights Project in Norway for liquefied CO2 transportation will enter full-scale operation this year, with ship management due to begin for three vessels. In offshore wind power generation support, a Japanese geological survey ship was launched in September of last year, and business development has begun.
We are also working to further strengthen the three functions that form the basis of our strengths (Safety and Ship Quality Management, Advancement of Environmental Technologies, and Digital Transformation), and the human resources and organization that support them. In Safety and Ship Quality Management, we will continue to enhance our safe operation and management system, strengthen our ship management system, and secure and train excellent seafarers to further promote “K” LINE’s top priority of safety in navigation and cargo operations.
In Advancement of Environmental Technologies, we will further integrate our environmental response and technology evolution efforts into a unified strategy, and seek to expand growth opportunities for “K” LINE and society as a whole through low carbon and decarbonization.
In Digital Transformation (DX), we plan to expand and enhance our digital infrastructure by driving DX of data and DX of human resources as defined in our DX Strategy, and to create added value for customers by strengthening our own competitiveness through furthering the digitalization of our own operations and vessels.
I believe that further refining these strengths will support our business in this rapidly changing business environment.
As a logistics company rooted in the shipping industry, “K” LINE’s corporate philosophy is to help make the lives of people more affluent. Working under this philosophy, we operate as a partner that is trusted by all stakeholders, supporting the infrastructure of global society by providing safe, high-quality, optimal services that meet the needs of customers by making thoroughly considered proposals.
For our group to continue achieving sustainable growth in a business environment that is changing at such a dizzying pace, in addition to responding with agility to these changes, we must have the courage and passion to act without fear of change, together with the “animal spirit” needed to boldly take on challenges while calmly assessing risks and opportunities in our corporate activities. Personally, I hope to continue to maintain this attitude, and that everyone in the group will be able to work mindfully toward this. In addition, let’s work to improve the value we provide to all stakeholders and aim to become an even more attractive company.
Finally, I would like to end this message by wishing good health to all of you working within the “K” LINE Group, and to your families.
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce a publication of ESG DATA BOOK 2024.
ESG DATA BOOK has been issued since FY2021 to summarize policies, systems, specific initiatives and relevant data related to “K” LINE Group’s environmental (E), social (S), and governance (G) aspects. It has been published as a tool for dispatch of information to, and for communication with, stakeholders who are interested in the Group’s ESG initiatives.
ESG DATA BOOK 2024 features new contents such as an “At a Glance” at the beginning, which summarizes the main quantitative information related to our sustainability and ESG. Also, we have expanded contents of disclosure in accordance with the frameworks of Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) as well as the list of key performance indicators (KPIs) for sustainability management. In addition, we newly include the index of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards in the back of the book, which is one of the main frameworks for ESG information disclosure.
ESG DATA BOOK 2024 can be found on our website.
HOME > Sustainability > ESG Data
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that Daito Corporation (Daito), its consolidated subsidiary, has decided to procure funding through a green loan from Mizuho Bank, Ltd. This loan will finance the construction of an electric tugboat (EV tug),*1 which was decided on November 8, 2024. It is scheduled to be completed in May 2027. The loan utilizes the Port of Yokohama – CNP Sustainable Finance Framework (the Framework),*2 established by the City of Yokohama.
The Framework is a use-of-proceeds specific framework aimed at promoting the decarbonization of the port. A Second Party Opinion*3 on the Framework has been obtained from DNV Business Assurance Japan K.K. (DNV), a third-party verification body. The construction of the EV tug is classified as a green project under “Clean Transportation” within the Framework, and a letter of conformance*3 for a green loan*4 has been obtained from DNV. Daito is the first company to utilize this Framework for financing. Moreover, this is the first case in Japan of a private company utilizing a use-of-proceeds specific framework developed by a municipality.
This vessel was highly valued for the integration of hull improvements, electrification, and new maneuvering equipment to achieve a transition to non-fossil energy and improve operational efficiency. The adoption of lithium-ion batteries as a non-fossil energy source is expected to achieve a CO2 emission reduction of approximately 60%.
The “K” LINE Group, under its long-term environmental policy, “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 — Blue Seas for the Future —,*5 establishes and operates the DRIVE GREEN NETWORK framework to promote environmental management, reflecting its commitment to environmental conservation. It will continue to advance efforts to support low-carbon and carbon-free for “K” LINE group and society and contribute to enhancing people’s quality of life.
EV Tug Specifications
Dimensions: Length 33.4 m x breadth 9.6 m x draft 4.0 m
Applicable Regulations: JG (Japanese Government)
Gross Tonnage: 199 tons class
Maximum Speed: 14.0 knots
Maximum Bollard Pull: 48 tons (ahead)
Propulsion System: Electric Propulsion System
Battery Capacity: Approx. 3.2 MWh
*1 November 8, 2024: Daito Corporation Has Decided to Build an Electric Tugboat
https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/logistics/logistics-20241108.html
*2 It enables private companies and other entities to access sustainable finance without developing their own framework, provided their initiatives are designated as Port Decarbonization Promotion Projects within the Yokohama Port Harbor Decarbonization Promotion Plan announced today.
Please refer to the City of Yokohama website:
https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/city-info/yokohamashi/yokohamako/kkihon/torikumi/cnp/ycnpfw.html
*3Please refer to the DNV website:
https://webmagazine.dnv.co.jp/sus_finance_list.html
*4Green loan: A loan for the execution of finance projects that contribute to solving or mitigating environmental issues, in accordance with the Green Loan Principles (see reference below).
Green Loan Principles: International guidelines for loans specifically designated for environmental purposes developed in March 2018 by the Loan Market Association and the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association. The Loan Syndications and Trading Association joined in December 2018.
*5“K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future
As part of our action plan to reduce GHG emissions, “K” LINE is engaged in a number of initiatives, including the introduction of 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 LNG SHIPPING (UK) LIMITED, a London-based corporation wholly owned by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), will be renamed “K” LINE ENERGY SHIPPING (UK) LIMITED (KLES) on April 1, 2025. At the same time, the Carbon Neutral Development Group of “K” LINE (EUROPE) LIMITED, that develops a liquefied CO2 transportation business, will be integrated into KLES with the goal of reinforcing the business development activities and organizational structure of “K” LINE’s energy transportation business in Europe.
Europe is an advanced market leading low-carbon and decarbonization efforts. New solutions supporting the decarbonization of society, such as liquefied CO2 transportation solutions, are in demand.
KLES has refined its integrated marketing between shore and marine/technical teams, customer-centric support of sales and ship management, an area where the company has accumulated capabilities through its LNG transportation operations. It also proposes and provides high-quality transportation services and meticulously meets society’s needs regarding low-carbon and decarbonization solutions, including CCS.
Outline of renaming
| Current company name | “K” LINE LNG SHIPPING (UK) LIMITED |
| New company name | “K” LINE ENERGY SHIPPING (UK) LIMITED |
| Head office | 6th Floor 5 Aldermanbury Square, London, England, EC2V 7BP |
| Representative | Kiyoshi Sekiya |
| Description of business | Management of LNG carriers and liquefied CO2 carriers Development of businesses related to the transportation of energy resources, mainly LNG, and low-carbon and decarbonization solutions in Europe |
| Date of renaming | April 1, 2025 (planned) |
| Share capital | 40 million U.S. dollars |
The “K” LINE Group works together to promote its growth strategy and enhance its corporate value so that it can help realize a sustainable society.
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has launched its annual safety campaign 2024-2025, focusing on the prevention of injuries, accidents caused by negligence, and heavy weather damage. This campaign is conducted every winter and aims to further promote and enhance safety awareness by sharing information both at sea and onshore. As of today, more than 200 vessels and approximately 4,700 participants have taken part in this campaign, including about 480 onshore staff and management.
Following last year’s campaign, onshore staffs actively visited ships to conduct face-to-face meetings on board and also had online conferences with ships’ crews. Additionally, “K” LINE held a seminar in Manila and conducted a safety campaign for chartered vessel crew members. By exchanging information with ship captains and crews, who continue to operate safely and protect the environment on the front lines, each of them was able to reconfirm the importance of its mission for its common goal of ensuring safe operations. This campaign has proceeded smoothly, thanks to help from its charterers and ship management companies.
Safety in navigation is an immutable mission in the maritime industry, which supports global society. “K” LINE will continue to strengthen our competitiveness and enhance corporate value with ensuring supremely safe navigation and transport quality management, leveraged by the competent human resources and technologies that complement human factors.
A car carrier with a capacity of 6,900 vehicles, has been delivered to Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) on February 27. The vessel is mainly fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and was constructed by SHIN KURUSHIMA TOYOHASHI SHIPBUILDING CO., LTD.
A naming ceremony was held on the day of the delivery, and the vessel was named OCEANUS HIGHWAY (the “Vessel”) by Mr. Kazuhiko Sumi, Managing Executive Officer of Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda).
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 “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 -Blue Seas for the Future- *, 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 we have established.
Vessel Particulars
Main Measure: LOA 199. 95 meters x Beam 38.00 meters x Depth 38.07 meters x Draft 9.00 meters
Gross Ton: 75,259
Speed: 19.0 KTS
Class: ClassNK
Flag: Japan
Builder: SHIN KURUSHIMA TOYOHASHI SHIPBUILDING CO., LTD
* “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050- Blue Seas for the Future-
As an action plan to reduce GHG, we are engaged in 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
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) financed the construction of the LNG-fueled car carrier ‘OCEANUS HIGHWAY’, which was delivered today, using the framework of the Zero-Emission Accelerating Ship Finance (the program). The program is jointly operated by the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), with the aim of supporting the maritime shipping industry’s transition toward decarbonization.
The program is based on a comprehensive scoring model developed jointly by DBJ and ClassNK that evaluates ships from the perspectives of decarbonization, environmentally friendly performance, and innovation. DBJ provides investment and loans based on these evaluations. This is the first time “K” LINE has utilized this program for financing.
The OCEANUS HIGHWAY has received an A rating from ClassNK as a “ship with high decarbonization, environmentally friendly performance, and innovativeness,” recognizing that adequate environment-related investments have been made.
The following points were highly evaluated in this assessment of the ship:
(1) The use of LNG fuel makes a 25% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions possible compared to conventional fuel oil.
(2) Reduction in the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter (PM) through the use of LNG fuel complies with the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s NOx Tier III regulations and SOx regulations.
In “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 -Blue Seas for the Future-*, “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.” The LNG-fueled car carrier “OCEANUS HIGHWAY,” which has obtained an evaluation based on the program, is part of efforts in line with this vision.
Vessel Particulars
Main Measure: LOA 199.95 meters x Beam 38.00 meters x Depth 38.07 meters x Draft 9.00 meters
Gross Ton: 75,259
Speed: 19.00 KTS
Class: ClassNK
Flag: Japan
Builder: SHIN KURUSHIMA TOYOHASHI SHIPBUILDING CO., LTD
* “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
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President & CEO: Yukikazu Myochin, hereinafter ““K” LINE”) and Kamigumi Co., Ltd. (Head office: Kobe City, Hyogo, President & CEO: Yoshihiro Fukai, hereinafter “Kamigumi”) concluded a share transfer agreement on September 27, 2024, under which “K” LINE would establish a holding company that would become the parent company of “K” LINE LOGISTICS, LTD. (hereinafter “K” LINE LOGISTICS) to which “K” LINE would transfer all of the shares of “K” LINE LOGISTICS held by “K” LINE, and “K” LINE would transfer 47% of the total shares of the holding company to Kamigumi.
“K” LINE today announces that it has established the holding company, in accordance with the details of the agreement. “K” LINE plans to transfer 47% of the total shares of the holding company established today to Kamigumi on April 1, 2025.
Outline of the Holding Company
| Company Name | KLKG Logistics Holdings, Co., Ltd. | |
| Description of Business | Holding Company of “K” LINE LOGISTICS, LTD. | |
| Date of Share Transfer to Kamigumi | April 1, 2025 (Plan) | |
| Location of Head Office | 1-1, Uchisaiwaicho 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan | |
| Shareholders and Share Ownership Ratio | At establishment: Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd 100% | |
| From April 1, 2025: Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. 53%, Kamigumi Co., Ltd. 47% |
<Reference>
News Release on September 27, 2024:
Notice of the Establishment of a Holding Company of Consolidated Subsidiary of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Co., Ltd. (“K” LINE LOGISTICS, LTD.) and the Partial Transfer of the Company’s Shares to Kamigumi Co., Ltd.
https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/logistics/logistics-20240927.html