"K" Line

Approval in Principle (AiP) from Japanese Classification Society Class NK for the design concept of the Multi-functional Floating offshore windfarm Support Vessel

“K” Line Wind Service, LTD. (“K” Line Wind Service), a joint venture of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. and Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., together with Japan Marine United Corporation (Japan Marine United) and Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. (Nihon Shipyard) have been jointly granted Approval in Principle (AiP) *¹　from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for the design concept of the multi-functional floating offshore windfarm support vessel (MFSV).

The development of this design concept is subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) as a part of Green Innovation Fund Project “Technology development project for basic manufacturing and installation cost reduction for floating wind turbines”. *²

The development of floating offshore wind is expected to take an important and key role in the achievement of the carbon neutrality by 2050, especially in Japan where shallow water area to develop the bottom-fixed offshore wind turbines is limited.

The installation of floating offshore wind turbines always required mooring works by vessels, with the whole mooring system composed of an anchor, a mooring chain, and a fiber rope. “K” Line Wind Service has been pursuing the study on the most effective mooring method and the most suitable vessel design for such mooring work together with Japan Marine United and Nihon Shipyard. Finally, we completed the design concept of MFSV and obtained AiP from ClassNK.

This MSFV is designed to perform whole mooring works efficiently for floating offshore wind turbine installation, like “transportation of mooring system”, “deploying mooring system on the seabed”, “anchor tensioning”. On top of such primal functions, the uniqueness is multifunctional concept. This MFSV is designed to provide various vessel solutions in each phase of an offshore wind projects such as “Survey”, “Transportation”, “Construction”, and “Operation & Maintenance”. (multifunction concept of MFSV is currently under process of patent application)

“K” Line Wind Service is determined to contribute to Low-carbon and decarbonization of society by pursuing the provision marine and vessel solution including the design concept of MFSV for mass production and cost reduction of offshore wind power generation.

*¹ AiP, which stands for Approval in Principle, is a scheme for the examination of plans and documents based on the rules for products in the early design stage to confirm their technical feasibility from the viewpoint of the rules.  (Source: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, ClassNK )

*² about adoption of the Joint Project “Mass-Production and Cost Reduction of Floating Offshore Wind Installation” as Green Innovation Fund Project “Cost Reductions for Offshore Wind Power Generation Project”

Related Press Release of Green Innovation Fund Project

Joint project on “Mass-production and Cost Reduction of Floating Offshore Wind Installation” adopted as Green Innovation Fund (On January 21, 2022)

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/carbon-neutral/carbon-neutral-20220121.html

Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX), JGC Holdings Corporation (JGC HD), Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), and JFE Steel Corporation (JFE Steel) have agreed that The Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc. (EnerGia) and Nippon Gas Line Co., Ltd. (NGL) participate in the joint evaluation aiming to establish CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) value chain originated from Japan (hereinafter “the Joint Evaluation”) for the CCS project in Malaysia and concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the six companies (hereinafter “the Six Companies”) on February 26, 2024.

JAPEX, JGC HD, “K” LINE (hereinafter “the Three Companies”), and PETRONAS CCS Ventures Sdn. Bhd.（PCCSV） signed the Key Principles Agreement in September 2023 to commercialize the CCS project (hereinafter the “CCS Project Development”) and have commenced the specific preparatory works with a view of beginning the front-end engineering design in 2024 and the subsequent construction works^*1. As part of the CCS Project Development, the Three Companies conducted a survey assuming recipt of CO2 from Japan and discussions with candidate CO2 emitters, have found that their direction aligns with EnerGia’s to consider further reduction methods of CO2 emissions from power generation businesses, and with NGL’s to proceed with commercialization of domestic marine transportation of liquefied CO2, therefore, the Six Companies signed the MOU to conduct the Joint Evaluation, in addition to JFE Steel which participated in June 2023^*2.

The Six Companies will conduct the Joint Evaluation, collaborating with the CCS Project Development, to establish the CCS value chain, from CO2 separation and capture at JFE Steel’s steelworks and EnerGia Group’s power plant to marine transportation (including domestic marine transportation in the Setouchi area) of liquefied CO2 to the receiving point(s) in Malaysia, including estimation of required facilities and costs.

In the CCS Project Development, aiming to start injection and storage of CO2 emitted in Malaysia as well as captured outside Malaysia such as in Japan under the seabed at the end of 2028, the Three Companies have been proceeding with the detailed study on the specifications and estimated costs of ,necessary facilities, including CO2 pipelines from onshore gathering facilities, marine transportation of liquefied CO2, and receiving facilities for liquefied CO2 transported by ships and offshore injection facilities, and business scheme. 

By executing the Joint Evaluation for the early commercialization of the CCS project, JAPEX, JGC HD, “K” LINE, JFE Steel, EnerGia, and NGL will contribute towards carbon neutrality in 2050, including the realization of a de-carbonized society in Asia targeted by the “Asia Energy Transition Initiative (AETI) ” ^*3.

*1: Please refer to a joint press “JAPEX, JGC HD, and “K” LINE Sign a Key Principles Agreement with PETRONAS for the maturation and development of the CCS Project in Malaysia” on November 20, 2023

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/carbon-neutral/carbon-neutral-20231120.html

*2: Please refer to a joint press “Agreed on Joint Evaluation with JFE Steel Corporation to Establish CCS Value Chain Originated from Japan Aligned with CCS Study in Malaysia” on June 19, 2023

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/carbon-neutral/carbon-neutral-20230619.html

*3: The Japanese Government’s initiative announced in May 2021, which aims to achieve sustainable economic growth and carbon neutrality simultaneously in Asia.

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) launched our annual safety campaign during this winter season. In this campaign, we have been focusing on the themes, the importance of fire prevention and early response to fires and injury prevention, by sharing information both at sea and onshore with the aim of further promoting and enhancing safety awareness. As of today, approximately 180 vessels and around 3,200 participants have taken part in this campaign (including approximately 300 onshore staff).

As COVID-19 measures have been lifted, we have actively visited ships to have face-to-face meetings on board, and also had online conferences with ships’ crews.

By exchanging information with ship captains and crews who are continuing to operate safely and protect the environment on the front lines, each of us was able to reconfirm the importance of our mission for our common goal, ensuring safe operations. 

This campaign has been proceeded smoothly thanks to helps from our charterers and ship management companies.

Safe navigation is an immutable mission in the maritime industry which sustains the 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 the technologies complementing the human factors.

References:

Business Briefing (Released on May 26, 2023) p. 57, 58

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/ir/library/event.html

“K” Line Group will participate in Wind Expo 2024 to be held from February 28^th to March 1st at Tokyo Big Sight.

Based on the experience and know-how of offshore support vessel operations in overseas and Japan by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. and Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., “K” Line Wind Serivice Ltd. has been pursuing the best and creative soutions for the supply chain development of Japanese offshore wind industry with enthusiastic activities. We established a corporative relationship with a leading company in Japanese offshore industry and conducted the studies through Green Innovation Fund “Cost Reductions for Floating Offshore Wind Power Generation Projects” adopted by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

Based on what “K” LINE Group has cultivated expertise in safe and high-quality operations in this field over the years, “K” Line Wind Service obtained ISO 9001:2015, an international standard for quality management systems certified by ClassNK at the end of 2023 (*). We are determined to contribute to the development of Japanese Offshore Wind projects by providing the safe and reliable offshore support vessels.

“K” LINE, “K” Line Kinkai, K Line Logistics and Daito Corporation will present our activities with ship models and movies. “K” Line Wind Service will also give a presentation at the PR Seminar on March 1^st (Fri) 14:30. You are always welcome at our booth and for the seminar. Please visit us! 

(*) Released on December 27th, 2023:

“K” Line Wind Service, Ltd. Obtains ISO 9001:2015 Certification

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/carbon-neutral/carbon-neutral-20231227.html

Information about the Wind Expo

Name : Wind Expo at World Smart Energy Week, Tokyo Show

Organizer : Japan Wind Power Association (JWPA) RX Japan Ltd.

Date : February 28^th (Wed) to March 1^st (Fri) 2024

Place : Tokyo Big Sight, West Exhibition Hall

Booth at : W17-18

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that OCEANICWING S.A.S. was established on January 18th in France and, as of February 15th, has acquired the business of AIRSEAS（France）. The goal is to strengthen the development and commercialization of “Seawing”, an automated kite system using wind power.

“Seawing” is expected to reduce CO2 emissions from vessels by approximately 20%. By synergy with fuel conversion, such as using liquified natural gas (LNG) instead of conventional heavy fuel oil, “Seawing” is also expected higher performance of CO2 reduction.

“Seawing” harnessing natural wind power and can be installed on any type of vessel, including existing ones, to all vessels. No energy production or supply facility is required.

“K” LINE’s long-term environmental guideline, ““K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 ~ Blue Seas for the Future ~” outlines the 2030 target of improving CO2 emission efficiency by 50% compared to 2008, exceeding the 40% target set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.

“K” LINE will contribute to the low-carbon society by development of environmental technology including “Seawing”.

Overview of the New Company

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) was selected as an “A List” company for 2023, the highest rating in the CDP Climate Change Questionnaire, on February 6th. This is the eighth consecutive year that “K” LINE has been selected as an “A List” company, after being selected an “A List” company in 2016, in recognition of its leadership in transparency and performance in corporate sustainability on climate change. CDP is an international non-profit organization (NGO) headquartered in London that works with more than 740 institutional investors worldwide with over US$130 trillion in assets under management in 2023. Each year, CDP sends a questionnaire to companies regarding climate change risks and opportunities and their responses. The results of the survey are then used to evaluate the companies on an 8-grade scale (A List being the highest rating). The results of the survey are used as a universal indicator to measure corporate value. The number of companies responding to the survey has been increasing every year, and in 2023, an all-time high of approximately 23,000 companies responded, an increase of nearly 30% over the previous year. This year, the number of companies certified as “A List” companies for CDP Climate Change is 346 worldwide, with 109 for Japanese companies including “K” LINE.

In our long-term management vision, we are committed to a smooth energy transition for ourselves and society, and we will promote activities to realize a low-carbon, decarbonized society. Also, our long-term environmental guideline named “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 *1), sets the goal of achieving “Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050,” and in its medium-term management plan, we announced policy of allocating 60% of total investment in environmental measures in a concentrated manner. Specifically, we are actively working to promote the low-carbon and carbon-free for both ourselves and society through advanced initiatives such as the introduction of LNG fueled vessels, the installation of the “Seawing” automated kite system, further expansion of the liquefied CO2 carrier business to establish a CCS value chain　as well as through various councils and demonstration projects for the practical use of ammonia/hydrogen fueled zero-emission vessels. We are aware that our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our business activities through the operation of our environmental management system have been highly evaluated.

The CDP questionnaire is scheduled to reflect the TNFD (The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures) framework, and there is a move to encourage companies to disclose more nature-related information. We consider not only climate change but also biodiversity conservation as important issues and adopted the LEAP approach advocated by TNFD last year, becoming the first shipping company to conduct nature-related risk analysis.

Going forward, the “K” LINE Group will continue to enhance information disclosure based on a comprehensive understanding of climate change and natural capital and aim for sustainable growth and increased corporate value as a trusted partner to all stakeholders.

*1 Please see the following for details of our “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050. https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/environment/management.html

Today, Northern Lights JV DA and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) signed Bare Boat Charter and Time Charter contracts for the management of the third CO2 ship. This follows the formerly signed contracts for managing the first two 7,500 m3 liquefied CO2 ships*1, in Northern Lights’ four ship fleet, that will be delivered in 2024.

The London-based subsidiary “K” LINE LNG Shipping (UK) Ltd., will manage the three ships, facilitating the transportation of liquefied CO2 from Northern Lights customers based in Norway, Denmark, and Netherlands, to Northern Lights’ CO2 receiving terminal in Øygarden, Norway, from where the CO2 will be injected into the offshore reservoir for safe and permanent storage.

“We are pleased to expand our partnership with “K” LINE, a ship operator with extensive experience in liquefied gas transport and a strong safety and environmental track record. These ships will be shuttling between our customers in Northwest Europe and the Northern Lights’ onshore facilities, each transporting over 400,000 tonnes CO₂ annually”, said Børre Jacobsen, Managing Director of Northern Lights.

In December 2022, “K” LINE was awarded the ship management contracts of the two first Northern Lights ships, which are currently 75% completed and will be delivered later this year.

“K” LINE LNG Shipping (UK) Ltd. is working on an operation manual and commissioning protocol and cooperating with relevant parties such as terminal operators and port authorities.

In parallel, a crew training program is being implemented to ensure safe and reliable operation.

“We are delighted to successively undertake ship management for the third Northern Lights vessel. We have already set up a dedicated team for CO2 ship management in “K” LINE LNG Shipping (UK) Ltd. in London for the first and second vessels and believe that the preparation for prior vessels will be further accumulated with the additional vessel in the fleet. Having the experience of building up the team and operational procedure, we are determined to contribute to the world’s first CCS project by Northern Lights.”, said Yukikazu Myochin, President and CEO of “K” LINE.

Northern Lights is developing a ship-based CO₂ transport solution that enables flexible access to industrial emitters and carbon capture points across Europe. In December 2023, Northern Lights placed the order of a fourth CO₂ ship, sister to the ones currently under construction at Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore Co., Ltd (DSOC). With these four ships, Northern Lights will have the world’s largest dedicated CO₂ shipping fleet.

“Our investment in these custom-built ships reflects our commitment to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable CO2 transport services. The recent contracts to build and operate the third and fourth ships signify an increase in Northern Lights’ shipping capacity and reinforce our pioneering role in CO2 transport”, said Børre Jacobsen.

About Northern Lights

Northern Lights delivers CO₂ transport and storage as a service, enabling mitigation of industrial emissions that cannot be avoided and accelerating the decarbonisation of European industry. The company will transport liquefied CO₂ from capture sites to an onshore receiving terminal in western Norway, before transporting it by pipeline for permanent storage in a reservoir 2,600 metres under the seabed. On schedule to be ready to receive CO₂ in 2024, Northern Lights offers safe and reliable CO₂ transport and storage services to industrial emitters in Norway and across Europe. Northern Lights JV DA is a registered, incorporated General Partnership with Shared Liability (DA) owned by Equinor, TotalEnergies and Shell.

www.norlights.com

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”.

*1 December 19, 2022: “K” LINE enters into long-term contracts with Northern Lights for two liquefied CO2 vessels ~World’s first full scale CCS project~

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/carbon-neutral/carbon-neutral-20221219.html

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that its commencement provision of marine data to the Japan Coast Guard (JCG). This data, sourced from monitoring systems onboard the merchant vessels of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) and “K” LINE is now being shared through the Ship IoT data sharing platform IoS Open Platform (IoS-OP) managed by Ship Data Center Co., Ltd. (ShipDC).

In the past, the JCG relied on MOL, NYK, and “K” LINE for voluntary submission in marine data, which they then integrated manually. The IoS-OP gathers data from approximately five hundred ships operated by MOL, NYK and “K” LINE meaning it is one of the world’s largest ships IoT databases. Now, it has become possible to comprehensively supply the large body of detailed operational data gathered by the IoS-OP. The JCG plans to use this extensive data to enhance tidal current prediction accuracy, thus contributing significantly to marine safety and their work efficiency.

“K” LINE is committed to advancing data utilization by sharing shipping data via IoS-OP. This initiative not only contributes to the maritime industry’s growth but also aligns with our ongoing efforts to enhance navigation and cargo operation safety. Moreover, it reflects our dedication to environmental stewardship in an increasingly digital era.

In celebration of centralized management of marine data, a ceremony was held on January 26th with the attendance of relevant stakeholders.

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) and NIHON SHIPYARD CO., LTD. (NSY) have entered into a contract for the construction of three post-Panamax bulkers which NSY had newly developed and designed as next-generation, environmentally friendly ships. The new ship is a next-generation 92-type (92,000 deadweight tons) known as “K” LINE’s “Corona-series,” which are wide-beam, shallow-draft coal carriers optimally designed for transportation of coal to coal-fired power plants in Japan.

Phase 3 of EEDI*¹ will require bunkers (no less than 20,000 deadweight tons), for which construction contracts will be concluded in 2025 or thereafter, to be 30% more efficient in CO2 emissions compared to the EEDI standards. In pursuit of a further reduction in the environmental burden through greater fuel economy, the new ship is expected to achieve a 40% improvement in CO2 emissions efficiency based on NSY’s optimal ship development, including the newest main engine and the adoption of energy-saving accessories. Moreover, methanol-ready ship concept which assumes a shift toward methanol, a marine fuel with a low environmental footprint, will be adopted.

Outline of vessel

Under “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050, a long-term environmental guideline *², “K” LINE has set a goal of improving CO2 emissions efficiency by 50% and achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. As part of its associated action plans, it plans to implement a shift such as new highly eco-friendly fuels, the use of wind power propulsion systems. Going forward, “K” LINE will continue to strive to contribute to sustainable economic and social development and enhance corporate value while actively and flexibly responding to customers’ needs, including environmental responses which are expected to grow, and preserving the environment through business activities based on the “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050.

*¹ EEDI: Energy Efficiency Design Index.

The EEDI estimates ship CO2 emissions when carrying 1 ton of cargo for 1 mile.

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

*² “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/environment/management.html#002

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) held the Asia Damage Prevention Meeting from December 7th to 8th in Bangkok, Thailand with the aim of improving transportation quality in the Southeast Asia region. The conference was attended by representatives of “K” Line and cargo-handling companies in Southeast Asia for discussion about how to improve quality services in marine transportation and cargo handling operations, around 40 people from seven countries.

The catchphrase of this conference is “Strict compliance of K Line SAFETY OPERATION PROCEDURE (SOP) is the guide to “ZERO DAMAGE “Strict compliance with “K” Line standard operating procedures (SOPs) is the guide to zero damage,” and the participants discussed how to improve quality services in the safe operation of car carriers. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the further penetration of “K” Line SOPs, sharing about new ideas of cargo handling equipment, operation procedures, and handling of next-generation cargo such as electric vehicles (BEVs). We also launched the K Learning system, a new education system for workers that we have started to introduce in worker training at each port. In addition, to encourage quality activities, we presented awards to the representatives of “K” Line and cargo handling companies in Southeast Asia that made exceptionally good efforts to achieve the best cargo handling quality in 2023.

We will always continue strive to improve “K” LINE global RORO service quality as we strengthen relationships with each Southeast Asian port through the regular Asia Damage Prevention meetings.