"K" Line

~ Social contribution by reducing environmental load ~

We have decided to install the automated kite system “Seawing” ^{* 2} developed by AIRSEAS ^{* 1} which was spin off from AIRBUS SE, the major aircraft manufacturer, to a large bulk carrier owned by our company.

“Seawing” is mounted on the bow of the vessel and is unfolded by simple operation from the bridge under certain conditions of wind power and wind direction, and assists propulsion power of the vessel with utilize wind force effectively.

In the installation of this system, we carry out intense assessment “Seawing” performance and innovative technology for two years under the close cooperation of AIRSEAS, and confirm that this system can greatly contribute to the reduction of the environmental load associated with the ship’s operation. In a case, the bulk carrier can reduce emissions by more than 20%, about 5,200 tons of CO2 annually.
In addition, we and AIRSEAS cooperate on further improvement of their solution by utilizing the operation and performance data obtained from the ship operation and performance management system “Kawasaki Integrated Maritime Solutions”^*3 installed in our fleet vessels.

We will continue to work on CSR activities for environmental friendly to achieve the target of “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050^*4 and the GHG reduction of IMO, through the studies, developments and installations various environmental improvement technologies such as “Seawing”.

*1: AIRSEAS

AIRSEAS as a spin-off of AIRBUS combines aeronautical know-how in modelling and control laws with maritime technology to bring a game changing energy efficiency solution to shipping.

*2: Seawing

Seawing combines aeronautical know-how with maritime technology to create a breakthrough in the maritime transportation sector. A simple switch launches or recovers the kite which unfolds, operates and refolds autonomously. The system collects and analyses meteorological and oceanic data in real-time. Seawing adapts to this information in order to optimize its performance as well as to ensure maximum safety.

*3: Kawasaki Integrated Maritime Solutions

　Integrated vessel operation and performance management system.

*4: “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., Tokyo, (hereafter called “K” Line) is proud to announce the delivery of “MIYAGAWA MARU,” a 100,000 DWT-type special coal carrier at Marugame Shipyard of Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Japan on 21 May 2019.

MIYAGAWA MARU was jointly developed by Imabari Shipbuilding and “K” Line to maximize transport volume to the discharging port, JERA’s Hekinan Thermal Power Plant, Aichi prefecture in Japan. MIYAGAWA MARU is so-called “Hekinan MAX.”

MIYAGAWA MARU is equipped with latest ecological technology turbocharger such as VTI (Variable Turbine Inlet) which optimizes energy-saving plus a ballast water management system that prevents damage to marine ecosystems.

MIYAGAWA MARU will be principally involved in long-term service carrying thermal coal to JERA’s Thermal Power Plant for JERA Global Markets Pte. Ltd.

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “K” Line) being highly regarded for its various environmental conservation measures beginning with construction and operation of the eco-flagship, “Drive Green Highway” completed in 2016 (Note 1), has received the Panama Green Shipping Award 2019 at the opening ceremony in “Panama Maritime XIV (the 14th) World Conference and Exhibition” (Note 2) on March 17, 2019.

Mr. Shimogaki, V.P. from “K” Line Mexico, participated in the awards ceremony as  representative of the entire “K” Line group, and received the Award from Mr. Kitack Lim, Secretary General of IMO, International Maritime Organization.

In our Medium-term Management Plan, we define ESG (Environment, Social & Governance) initiatives as a key management issue. With respect for the environment, we are pursuing measures in line with “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 – Securing Blue Seas for Tomorrow (Note 3) that is our long-term environmental vision formulated in 2015. We are honored and proud of the various activities being highly evaluated in connection with our 2015 vision.

As an environmental front runner, we will continue to aim for the realization of being a business that enables a greater number of people around the world to enjoy the advantage of marine transportation characterized by a lower environmental load and higher efficiency. 

(Note 1)

“Drive Green Highway” : Please refer to the following link –  https://www.kline.co.jp/en/feature02.html

(Note 2)

“Panama Maritime XIV (the 14th) World Conference and Exhibition”, big international marine conference and exhibition that has been held every two years in Panama City since 1991, this being 14th year(held from March 17-20).

Organizers are “The Maritime Chamber of Panama” and “The Panamanian Maritime Law Association (APADEMAR).”

Supported by other marine organizations, including “Panama Maritime Authority” and “Panama Canal Authority,” the Organizers Committee awards groups and individuals that have made excellent achievements in the maritime field.

Please refer to following links for Panama Maritime World Conference and Exhibition –  http://panamamaritimeworld.com/panama-maritime-2019   https://www.facebook.com/PanamaMaritimeConference/

(Note 3)

“K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 :  Please refer to following link –   https://www.kline.co.jp/en/csr/environment/vision.html

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

Please click the following addresses to read our reports.

・Notice on Provision for Losses and Extraordinary Losses from Business Structural Reforms, and Revised Forecast of Financial Results for Fiscal Year 2018.

・Supplementary report

If you cannot open the URL please access via our Website.

Today, at the Marugame business headquarters Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., the 200,000-dwt ton Cape size bulker “CAPE SAPPHIRE” has been completed.

The ship is compliant with the Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carrier (CSR-BC) for bulk cargo ships, and the main institution is equipped with an electronically controlled engine with enhanced anti-corrosion measures, in order to save energy, we have installed WAD (Weather Adapted Duct) in front of the propeller and Hybrid Fin behind the propeller.

Furthermore, for complying with the regulation of SOx Global Cap that will be enforced in all sea areas from January 2020, the vessel is equipped with a scrubber on the funnel to remove sulfur oxides from the gas discharged from the engine, it is a state-of-the-art ship that gathers world-class technology among Cape size bulkers and she will be engaged in iron ore and coal transport for Japanese steel mill.

With a large number of vessels from various types with various sizes – from very large to small -, “K” Line offers its customers a unique range of transport services. “K” Line will remain committed to flexibly and actively responding diversifying needs for shipments of ore and other iron-bearing raw materials.

Vessel Particulars

LOA                      :           299.95M

Width                  :           50.00M

Depth                  :           24.70M

Draft                    :           18.32M

Deadweight      :           208,564T

Gross Ton          :           107,454T

Main Engine     :           MES MAN-B&W 6G70ME-C9.5

Speed                   :           14.5KTS

Class                     :           NK

Flag                      :           Japan

Builder                :           Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., (hereinafter referred to as “K” LINE) is pleased to announce the launching of a development project using an innovative method for ship hull inspection and maintenance by a drone and image analysis system jointly with TECHNOS MIHARA CORPORATION (hereinafter referred to as TECHNOS MIHARA), a professional company of “non-destructive testing” in Hiroshima, Japan.

“K” LINE has been maintaining the finest quality of our fleet under unique ship management policy named “KL-QUALITY,” designed as a high-level and systematic ship inspection program by a dedicated team consisting of professional Superintendents. However, we have continued having difficulty for a long time in inspection of ship parts that are hard to access, such as the top side of cargo hold, ship hull under water, etc. As a result of multiple on-site trials with aerial and underwater drones with TECHNOS MIHARA, which has sophisticated technology for drone operation and image analyzation, we’ve found notable improvement in the accuracy of such inspections. In addition, we have also enjoyed an improvement in efficiency and safety of the inspections by automation using these drones.

“K” LINE and TECHNOS MIHARA are now proceeding to the next step and have reached a mutual agreement to develop a new system for ship hull inspection and maintenance through integration between drone and digital image analysis technology of TECHNOS MIHARA together with the long-time accumulated and cultivated expertise and know-how of “K” LINE’s ship management.

Our new department known as “AI/Digitalization Promotion Division” was set up in January 2019 and is aiming to introduce new technology, improve our high-value-added transportation services and obtain the best possible satisfaction and reliability from our esteemed customers. “K” LINE is dedicated to continue seeking the best and safest services through strong cooperation and alliances with various businesses partners across different fields.

Please refer to the link below for a close up video captured by aerial drone.

(URL) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi2LkC-C1Og

The development history of drone of TECHNOS MIHARA:

2014                TECHNOS MIHARA started to develop a drone for marine transportation business.

Apr 2018        Started practical tests on board supported by “K” LINE.

Jul 2018          Started a service of aerial crop spraying by drone.

Jan 2019         Obtained world’s first approval from Class NK as an official drone service provider for an alternative vessel inspection system.

Jan 2019         Obtained world’s fourth (Japan’s first) approval from Bureau Veritas as an official drone service provider.

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., Tokyo, (hereinafter referred to as “K” LINE) is proud to announce that “K” LINE’s LNGC “OCEANIC BREEZE” which carries LNG from Ichthys LNG Project in Australia made maiden call to Naoetsu LNG Terminal operated by INPEX CORPORATION (hereinafter referred to as INPEX) in Japan.

“OCEANIC BREEZE” is owned by “K” Line and INPEX Shipping Co., Ltd., a fully-owned subsidiary of INPEX, and is a dedicated LNGC for carrying 0.9 million tons of LNG per year from the Ichthys LNG Project in Darwin, Australia to Naoetsu, Niigata, Japan.

Ichthys LNG Project is the first large-scale LNG project by global standards operated by INPEX. The Project is characterized as “All Japan” for its features such as 70% of approx. 8.9 million tons per year of LNG produced by the Project will be supplied to Japanese customers, along with the fact that Japanese companies are major participants in crucial parts of the Project’s value chain, including exploration and production, building of liquefaction plants and receiving terminals, laying pipelines, and maritime transportation.

In addition to LNG, the Project will produce LPG (approx. 1.65 million tons per year) as well as approx. 100,000 barrels of condensate per day at peak.

We are proud to further mention that “K” LINE Group will be more involved in the shipment of LNG, LPG and condensate exported by the Project. The Project’s first LNG cargo was carried by our LNG carrier “PACIFIC BREEZE” in October 2018 and first LPG was also carried by our VLGC “GRACE RIVER.” It is further planned that Aframax tankers operated by our subsidiary in Singapore will carry condensate products. Recalling the importance of our crucial role in the energy value chain, “K” LINE Group is committed to continue providing the most reliable and stable service possible to our valued customers with assurance of the highest standard of safety.

“K” LINE is pleased to advise that one of our new 91,000-DWT-type coal carriers, “CORONA YOUTHFUL,” was delivered with a binary cycle power generation system developed by KOBE STEEL, LTD. at OSHIMA SHIPBUILDING CO., LTD. on 1 February 2019 with operational trial having commenced in order to confirm performance and durability at sea as joint research between KOBE STEEL and “K” LINE.

Binary cycle power generation system is a waste heat recovery electric power generation system utilizing compression heat by scavenging air from the main engine, which, in turn, contributes to reduction in fuel oil consumption of diesel generator engine.

“K” LINE is continuously attempting to obtain greater efficiency in its operations as well as further reduction of CO2 emissions and environmental pollutants in accordance with “K” LINE ENVIROMENTAL VISION 2050, our long-term environmental management vision.  This innovative binary cycle power generation system is considered as one of the  efficient systems to help us achieve our goals by 2050.

Environmental concern with the greenhouse gas emission effect is growing and “K” LINE will, based on “K” LINE ENVIROMENTAL VISION 2050, encourage less environmental load from marine transport by operating ships that are highly energy efficient and which contribute to conservation of the global environment

（※）“K” LINE ENVIROMENTAL VISION 2050 can be seen in below link:

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

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., Tokyo, (hereafter called “K” Line) is proud to announce the delivery of “CORONA YOUTHFUL,” a 91,000 DWT-type special coal carrier at Oshima Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. on February 1, 2019.

CORONA YOUTHFUL is same type as “K” Line’s specialized fleet for transport of thermal coal known as the “Corona-series.” The Corona-series consists of epoch-making coal carriers equipped with wide beam and shallow draft, which are the most suitable type to enter ports of Japanese Thermal Power Stations to discharge cargo.

CORONA YOUTHFUL is equipped with latest energy-saving and ecological technology such as Advanced Flipper Fins and Rudder Bulb which promote her propeller efficiency as well as ballast water management system which saves marine ecosystem.

CORONA YOUTHFUL is also equipped with the Binary Cycle Power Generation System which is a waste heat recovery electric power generation system utilizing compression heat by scavenging air from the main engine, which, in turn, contributes to reduction in fuel oil consumption of diesel generator engines.

With this new latest deployment, the Corona-series now consists of 20 carriers. “K” Line takes pride that its Corona-series has been so favorably evaluated for always ensuring customers steady and reliable thermal coal transport service with maximum safety.

Financial Highlights for 3rd Quarter FY2018 :

Please Click Here

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