"K" Line

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) received a letter of appreciation from Embassy of El Salvador in Japan for providing free ocean transportation of fire engines and ambulances donated by Japanese municipalities. 

Since 2014, in order to contribute to solve the problem for lack of fire engines and ambulances in Republic of El Salvador, “K” Line group has supported free ocean transportation by “K” Line’s pure car carrier (PCC), and undertaken total of 22 donated vehicles to the country (10 fire engines and 12 ambulances), in 11 times shipments.

“K” Line has been acting as Honorary Consul of El Salvador in Japan since 1969, and kept cooperating with the country due to the deep relationship between them. With respect to a customs clearance work and loading operation at loading port of Yokohama, we requested a cooperation to Daito Corporation (A group company of “K” Line)

“K” Line group is praying that those vehicles transported through our activity will contribute to protecting precious human lives in Republic of El Salvador, and we will continue actively working on marine transportation as a social contribution activity unique to shipping company.

On October 6^th, 2020, an “Emergency Response Drill” was carried out as a part of, optimum training on emergency response, preparedness for any kind of major maritime accidents.

The scenario of the drill developed when a “K” Line Coal Carrier collided with a Coastal Tanker when she was transiting in the Seto Inland Sea. The accident damaged the tanker’s hull and breached its cargo tank, resulting to its oil cargoes spilling from the damaged cargo tank. The spilled oil reached the coasts nearby; in addition, a crew of the said Tanker was reportedly missing. Professionals from other related firms of law, insurance, consulting, and the Ship Management Company actively cooperated and participated in the exercise.

To prevent COVID-19 infection, remote work from home for employees were established. We sought to enhance our communication by using online tools during an emergency response and then identified the points and tasks to work and improve on.

At the end of the drill, a mock press conference was held at both the press room and online simultaneously as a part of the complete drill proceedings. Mr. Myochin, the CEO of “K” Line, and other representatives attended the Q&A session of press briefing. Many questions were raised by the attendees as a media reporter that made the event more realistic and momentous.

Moreover, several shipowners joined and observed the drill for the purpose of strengthening how to respond promptly in the event of an accident involving chartered ships and the ties and cooperation between “K” Line and shipowners. We will make the most of the given reviews and comments from shipowners for the betterment and improvement of correspondence in the event of an accident.

“K” Line principle and vision calls for enhancing “Safety”, “Environment” and “Quality”. We are preparing for any unexpected and unforeseen circumstances through the “Emergency Response Drill”. Furthermore, we promote safety in navigation and environmental conservation and quality enhancement while doing work on awareness building activities like “Safety Campaign”.

On September 16, a naming ceremony was held at the Sakaide Works of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. for Japan’s first LNG bunkering vessel (“LBV”).

The ceremony was attended by Masashi Asakura, Chief Officer for Production Group of Toyota Motor Corporation (head office: Toyota city, Aichi prefecture; President: Akio Toyoda); Masahiro Kato, Deputy Director-General for Engineering Affairs, Ports and Harbors Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; and a number of related parties.

LBV was named “Kaguya” by Yukikazu Myochin, President of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K-Line”), and Hitoshi Nagasawa, President of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (“NYK”), and the ceremonial rope holding LBV in place was cut by Sunao Nakamura, Managing Executive Officer of JERA Co., Inc. (“JERA”) , and Toshiro Hidaka, CEO for Machinery, Energy & Project Division of Toyota Tsusho Corporation (“Toyota Tsusho”).

LBV’s name, Kaguya, derives from Princess Kaguya in “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” which is said to be Japan’s oldest story and is still loved by many people today. The name also expresses our desire to grow the LNG bunkering market as long and high as a bamboo tree.

Kaguya is the first LNG bunkering vessel to be operated in Japan. Kaguya will be operated by Central LNG Marine Fuel Japan Corporation and will be based at JERA’s Kawagoe Thermal Power Station. Kaguya will begin supplying LNG fuel* to ships in the Chubu region in October or later this year using Ship-to-Ship bunkering.**

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has agreed on a goal to reduce GHG emissions from shipping by at least 50 percent by 2050 compared to 2008, and the delivery of LNG-fueled ships is expected in the future. After the start of operation, Kaguya will supply LNG to Sakura Leader, which is the first large LNG-fueled PCTC (pure car and truck carrier) operated by NYK, and to a new car carrier to be delivered by K-Line this fiscal year, as well as to other LNG-fueled vessels.

The expertise and strengths of each company — including K-Line’s technological expertise accumulated through its long-term LNG carrier operations, JERA’s operational and technical capabilities at its large-scale terminals, Toyota Tsusho’s global sales network for marine fuel, and NYK’s experience in the world’s first LNG fuel supply and sales business — will be utilized to provide LNG bunkering in Japan’s Chubu region and expand our marketing services to promote the use of LNG as a fuel for ships, thereby contributing to a reduction of our environmental impact.

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director, President and CEO: Yukikazu Myochin, hereinafter ‘“K”LINE’) is pleased to announce that “K”LINE has participated in the “Kobe/Kansai Hydrogen Utilization Council” founded together with the companies involved in various hydrogen-related projects with the goal of the implementation of a hydrogen society as well as development of hydrogen supply-chain in the Kobe/Kansai area.

Kansai area is one of the most advanced area in the world where various world’s leading projects concerning hydrogen supply and utilization are currently underway including the hydrogen supply chain pilot project with the effective utilization of brown coal in Australia conducted by CO₂-free Hydrogen Energy Supply-chain Technology Research Association (“HySTRA”), demonstration project of hydrogen cogeneration system (“Hydrogen CGS”) at Kobe Port Island, and investigation on the possibilities for the introduction of hydrogen-fueled power generation.

In order to accelerate these efforts to achieve a hydrogen society as well as “Basic Hydrogen Strategy” and “Strategic Roadmap for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells” published by the Japanese government, the companies promoting hydrogen-related business have joined and founded the Council. The member will conduct feasibility study in pursuit of the large-scale utilization of hydrogen in 2030’s by way of unifying experience acquired through existing projects and business resources owned by companies operating in Kobe/Kansai area. The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (“NEDO”), and Kobe City which is participating in Hydrogen CGS will support the activity of the Council as observers.

In pursuit of our goal, placing the roadmap to implement large-scale commercialized utilization of hydrogen in 2030 as well as formulating a concrete scheme for the verification of commercial utilization of hydrogen in 2025, the Council’s activities will include:

• Consideration on business models of hydrogen utilization in Kansai area through combined study from supply and demand sides to develop large-scale hydrogen supply chain.

• Building a road map for the implementation of hydrogen utilization business models in the Kansai area.

• Policy proposal to the national and local governments, by identifying issues towards the implementation of a hydrogen society.

“K”LINE Group have been promoting its efforts towards the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with its long-term guideline concerning environment “K”LINE Environmental Vision 2050 -Blue Sea for the Future-”. “K”LINE will devote its utmost effort to contribute in realization of carbon-free society through the activities of the Council to implement CO2-free hydrogen in society in 2030, besides our participation in HySTRA in 2019.

Founding Member (Alphabetical order)

Electric Power Development Co., Ltd., ENEOS Corporation, Iwatani Corporation (*), The Kansai Electric Power Company, Inc., Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), Kobe Steel, Ltd., Marubeni Corporation (*), Mitsubishi Power, Ltd., Obayashi Corporation, and Shell Japan Limited.

(* Lead)

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) announces it will deploy a small-scale, marine-use demonstration plant for CO2 capture onboard a vessel and conduct research and development on compact facility design, in collaboration with project partners Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (“Mitsubishi Shipbuilding”) and non-profit organization Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (“ClassNK”).

The project is supported by the Maritime Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (“MLIT”) as part of its programs to support research and development for advancing marine resources technologies. With the support of MLIT, “K” Line will collaborate with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and ClassNK to install a small-scale CO2 capture demonstration plant onboard its vessel, conduct test operations of the plant, and measure its performance.

The marine-use CO2 capture demonstration plant will be based on an onshore plant and designed to capture a portion of a vessel’s gas emissions. This project will not only verify the efficacy of capturing and storing CO2 from a vessel’s gas emissions, but also the operability and safety of CO2 capture facilities at sea. These demonstration tests are aimed at promoting the development of more compact equipment required by marine environments along with the development of system requirements necessary for stable continuous operation at sea.

The two-year project will begin in August 2020 with the launch of a HAZID (hazard identification) evaluation of the demonstration plant and deployment on vessels, with verification from ClassNK. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will begin development and construction of a small-scale CO2 capture demonstration plant and evaluation of system safety. In the middle of 2021, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will begin test operation of the demonstration plant at its factory, followed by deployment of the plant on “K” Line’s CORONA UTILITY, a thermal coal carrier operated for Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc. By the end of fiscal 2021, the project partners will start operating the demonstration plant on-board the vessel and measuring the system’s performance under marine conditions, with the aim of jointly developing a new marine system for vessels.

As the world’s first marine demonstration test, the project will provide invaluable insights into facilities design and technologies for capturing CO2 emissions and achieving zero emissions onboard vessels. Additionally, the captured CO2 is expected to be recycled as a new CO2 source for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) processes or as raw material in synthetic fuel through methanation. In this way, the project will significantly contribute to the long-term reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Through “CC-Ocean” and other projects, “K” Line is committed to the research, development and deployment of cutting-edge environmental technologies. Through these projects, “K” Line will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, achieve its Environmental Vision 2050, and work on activities for social contribution.

About logo “CC-Ocean”

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a emission reduction process by capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the use of fossil fuels to prevent carbon dioxide (CO2) from being released into the atmosphere.  The design of the logo is from initials of Carbon Capture on the Ocean and represents capturing molecular of carbon dioxide inside.

On July 31 2020, the LNG fueled car carrier which is under construction at Tadotsu Shipyard Co.Ltd. (Imabari Shipbuilding Group) was launched safely.

Construction is currently on going with an estimated delivery within the 2020 fiscal year.

Compliance with MARPOL (*) Annex VI NOx Tier III

(*The International Convention for Prevention of Marine Pollution)

The main engine on this vessel is a dual-fuel diesel engine ME-GI with exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) to apply with NOx Tier III.

Regulation of NOx Tier III requires 80% reduction of NOx against that of Tier I.

Auxiliary engines are also dual-fuel diesel engines which conform to NOx Tier III in gas mode. The auxiliary engine with a Selective Catalytic Reduction System (SCR) is designed to meet NOx tier III requirements even in diesel mode, offering flexibility in the choice of fuel.

Link:

November 28, 2019, Construction of Next-Generation Environmental-Friendly Car Carrier Fueled by LNG

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/car/car-8039923832625292775/main/0/link/20191128_en2%20.pdf

May 20, 2020, Construction of Next-Generation Environmental-Friendly Car Carrier Fueled by LNG (2^nd report) – Installed LNG fuel tank

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/car/car-7992098554579834972/main/0/link/200520EN%20.pdf

• “K” Line Group, as a participant in the United Nations Global Compact, is promoting activities that contribute to SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), and this project is a part of its ongoing activities.

Please be advised that “K” Line Tokyo Head Office made the following press release announcement today.

To read this press release in its entirety, please visit “K” Line website where it is available in English and Japanese.

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/other/other2532249998011308439/main/0/link/200805EN.pdf

Please be advised that “K” Line Tokyo Head Office published the following press release today.

Please click the following addresses to read the reports.

・Financial Highlights for 1st quarter FY2020

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/ir/ir-1004464070850028402/main/0/link/2020_1_report_e.pdf

・Notice on Prospects for Fiscal Year 2020

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/ir/auto_20200804474147/pdfFile.pdf

It is also available on “K” Line’s Website both in English and Japanese.

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

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) has been selected again as a constituent of the “FTSE4Good Index Series”, one of the leading global indices for ESG investing (*1), for the 18th consecutive year since its initial inclusion in 2003, and “FTSE Blossom Japan Index” for four years in a row since the index was launched in 2017.

FTSE4Good Index Series is an index developed by FTSE Russell, wholly owned subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group, whose constituents are selected by measuring their performance in terms of management and information disclosure utilizing globally-recognized Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards (1,075 companies selected world-wide, including 192 Japanese companies). FTSE Blossom Japan Index reflects the performance of Japanese companies that demonstrate strong ESG practices (180 companies selected out of 507 constituents of FTSE Japan Index). This index has been adopted as a benchmark of ESG investing by Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) in Japan.  

We have defined ESG initiatives as one of the important management issues, and signed the United Nations Global Compact (*2) in April this year. We will continue striving to contribute to sustainable progress of the society through our business activities, as well as to improve our corporate value.

(*1) ESG investing describes an investment strategy which takes account of enterprises’ social, ethical and environmental aspects as well as financial performance.

(*2) The United Nations Global Compact is a voluntary initiative in which companies and organizations act as good members of society and participate in the creation of a global framework for sustainable growth by demonstrating responsible and creative leadership.

Reference

“K” Line to participate in the United Nations Global Compact (dated April 22, 2020)

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/csr/csr-4769873618192259007/main/0/link/200422EN.pdf

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) has thoroughly revised the long-term guideline concerning environment, “K” Line Environmental Vision 2050 – Blue Seas for the Future -, in order to strengthen the initiatives toward global environmental preservation such as reduction of GHG (Greenhouse Gas).

Since “K” Line formulated “K” Line Environmental Vision 2050 in 2015, which set forth our long-term goals for 2050 as a frontrunner, we have engaged in reduction of environmental load, research and introduction of advanced technology by using this vision as a guideline. While we achieved most of the 2019 interim milestones including CO2 reduction and introduction of environmental flagship set in this vision, we saw dramatic changes in environment and its requirement from society/stakeholder how to deal with environmental preservation. Therefore, we came to a decision to revise the vision this time．

Revised edition is based on the results of scenario analysis, recommended by TCFD, Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures and rearranged the targets into two main factors, “Decarbonization” and ”Aim for zero environmental impact”, and set the new milestone goals for 2030.

Especially on “Decarbonization”, as 2030 interim milestones, “K” Line is aiming the improvement of CO2 emission efficiency by 50% compared with 2008, which surpasses the 2030 target set by IMO, International Maritime Organization, “improvement of CO2 emission efficiency by 40% over 2008”. “K” Line will continue to research and develop best solution including new technologies toward goal for GHG zero emission.

As an environmental front runner, we will continue to aim at providing more environmentally low-loaded and highly efficient services for more people throughout the world.

Please refer to this link for “K” Line Environmental Vision 2050.
http://www.kline.co.jp/en/csr/environment/index.html