"K" Line

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) and Nippon Gas Line Co., Ltd. (Nippon Gas Line) are pleased to announce the agreement to establish a marketing company for the purpose of providing the seamless and efficient integrated liquefied CO2 transportation service for carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) projects over the boundaries.

The Japanese government is advancing the development a business environment to initiate CCS projects by 2030 in its “Basic Policy for Realizing of GX” (*1). They plan to support the research and business development to scale up the CCS value chain at the same time to cost reduction by introducing hub and cluster structure. In relation to its development, cross-border CO2 transportation and the establishment of integrated transportation system by combination of various sized liquefied CO2 carriers has been studied.

“K” LINE group is promoting a variety of initiatives to support the low-carbon and carbon-free of its own operations and society in accordance with its long-term environmental policy, “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050. “K” LINE will start operation of liquefied CO2 carriers for Northern Lights, the world’s first full-scale CCS project this year. “K” LINE set up a dedicated team for ship management of liquefied CO2 carrier in “K” LINE LNG Shipping (UK) Ltd. and is working to realize safe and reliable operation.

Nippon Gas Line, the only operator specializing in domestic LPG carriers, has accumulated extensive knowledge and experience in the operation, cargo handling, and ship management of pressurized gas carriers for over 60 years. Regarding CCS projects in particular, Nippon Gas Line is undertaking operation and ship management of a liquefied CO2 carrier and developing operation and cargo handling technology for low-temperature and low-pressure liquefied CO2.

“K” LINE and Nippon Gas Line determined to take initiatives in liquefied CO2 shipping for CCS projects. This collaboration of both companies will provide safe, stable and high-quality liquefied CO2 seamless transportation services by leveraging knowledge and experience together. Both companies will contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society through CO2 shipping.

*1 “Basic Policy for the Realization of GX” (Released as of Feb 10th, 2023 by METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, JAPAN) ：

https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2023/0210_003.html

On March 12th, 2024, Satoshi Kanamori (Managing Executive Officer of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.) took the stage at the 2024 Australia and Southeast Asia Forum on Carbon Capture and Storage to present “K” LINE’s initiatives regarding CCS business development.*¹

At the Forum, he presented the “K” LINE’s challenges on the technical development of liquified CO₂ transportation in low-pressure conditions, the feasibility studies we are implementing together with our valuable customers and consortium members for the establishment of the CCS value chain in the Asia Pacific region, and our activities in the Northern Lights project, the world’s first full value chain CCS Project in Norway. The forum participants from various regions are engaged in lively discussions and the exchange of opinions regarding how to establish an entire CCS value chain in the Asia-Pacific region.

The “K” LINE group is pursuing a variety of initiatives to support low-carbon and carbon-free for both ourselves and society in accordance with its long-term environmental policy “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050. In the field of CCS, we are planning to participate in the world’s first full-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) program. We will apply the knowledge we gain through the operation of these vessels*², which will be launched sequentially in Japan and overseas, in the development of future businesses, including this project, with the aim of realizing a sustainable society and enhancing corporate value.

*¹ The HP of GCCSI

https://www.globalccsinstitute.com/

*²The webpage for press releases about “K” LINE’s activities concerning liquefied CO₂ transportation:

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

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce a publication of ESG DATA BOOK 2023.

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 2023 features new contents such as a disclosure in accordance with the framework of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and a list of key performance indicators (KPIs) for readers’ better understanding of the goals and progress of our sustainability management.

From this fiscal year’s issue, we have changed the layout of the booklet to A4 horizontal for easier viewing on screens such as personal computers and tablets. Furthermore, links are provided on various pages, such as table of contents, to improve operability and searchability.

ESG DATA BOOK 2023 can be found on our website.

HOME > Sustainability > ESG Data

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/esg_data.html

Downloads:

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/esg_data/main/0111/teaserItems2/0/linkList/00/link/ESGDATABOOK2023_EN.pdf

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has entered into a joint research and development agreement with NIPPON HAKUYO electronics, ltd. ※1) and OPT Gate Co., LTD. (※2) for the development of a new fire detection system for vessels, using optical technology.

In recent years, the transportation of electric vehicles in addition to conventional gasoline vehicles has been increasing in car carriers. It is said that lithium-ion batteries installed in electric vehicles tend to rapidly escalate combustion in the event of a fire, making it crucial to detect fires at an earlier stage and to engage in firefighting activities promptly. This research aims to develop a fire detection system that detects fires earlier and with higher accuracy than existing smoke detectors for vessels, addressing the challenges.

“K” LINE is committed to enhancing safety and ship quality management. We will continue to pursue initiatives for safety in navigation utilizing cutting-edge technologies.

※1  NIPPON HAKUYO electronics, ltd.  (Head office: Kanagawa)

Established in 1981, taking over the business of the marine equipment division of the Oki Electric Industry Group. They manufacture and sell various electronic products for vessels, including fire detection system, surveillance camera system, marine automatic telephone exchange, marine public address, and clock system.

※2 OPT Gate Co., LTD.  (Head office: Tokyo)

Established in 2005, they specialize in manufacturing and design of optical products, with focus on the optoelectronics business. They also provide services such as reliability evaluation, analysis, and technical support for optical products.

Yukikazu Myochin, President & CEO of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) delivered a message in recognition of “K” Line’s placement onto the CDP2023 “A List” of companies. The video message is posted on “K” LINE’s YouTube channel.

“K” LINE YouTube channel　 https://youtu.be/PzzG4Dwib7U

“K” LINE corporate website  https://www.kline.co.jp/en/index.html *accessible from banner

“K” LINE was selected for the “A List 2023”, the top rating, on climate change from CDP, which is a non-profit global organization engaging in activities for realizing a sustainable economy, on February 7, 2024. 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. This year, the number of companies certified as “A List” companies for CDP Climate Change totaled 346 worldwide, with 109 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. We are engaged in the introduction of alternative fuel vessels, energy-saving activities utilizing big data systems, offshore wind power generation support business, hydrogen and ammonia transportation businesses, and CCS (carbon dioxide capture and storage) projects. The “K” LINE Group will aim for sustainable growth and increased corporate value as a partner trusted by all stakeholders.

References

February 7, 2024: “K” LINE Awarded CDP’s “A List 2023” on Climate Change

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/csr/csr-20240207.html

“K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050.

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

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has reached an agreement with TOKYO GAS CO., LTD. (“Tokyo Gas”) regarding a joint study of liquefied carbon dioxide (CO2) marine transportation with a view towards achieving carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS).

The Japanese government believes CCS to be one of the significant methods for achieving carbon neutrality and aims to enable the storage of 120 to 240 million tons of CO2 per year in 2050. The final report of the study group for a long-term CCS roadmap suggests that the use of the promising storage potential overseas is one strong option. This requires the liquefaction of CO2 and marine transportation of the liquefied CO2 to a place suitable for CO2 storage.

The two companies will carry out a simulation of marine transportation of liquefied CO2 to storage sites in Japan and in the Asian-Pacific region for CO2 emitted in the Tokyo metropolitan area, as well as studying its economic efficiency and operations relating to the transportation of liquefied CO2 by ship. Based on the findings of this study, both companies aim to help achieve carbon neutrality in the Tokyo region with various types of carbon management solutions including CCS.

“K” LINE group is promoting a variety of initiatives to support the low-carbon and carbon-free of its own operations and  society in accordance with its long-term environmental policy, “Environmental Vision 2050”. In the field of CCS, we are planning to start the world’s first full-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) transport from next year. It is expected that liquefied CO₂ carriers will sequentially begin to operate in Japan and overseas in the future. “K” LINE will incorporate knowledge*¹ acquired from operations, including this study, into its future development of businesses with the aim of realizing a sustainable society and increasing its corporate value.

*¹The webpage for the press releases about “K” LINE’s activities concerning liquefied CO2 transportation:

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

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that on March 6, 2024, the company was listed on the “Supplier Engagement Leaderboard” for the sixth consecutive year, the top rating, on “Supplier Engagement Rating” from CDP, which is a non-profit global organization (NGO) engaged in investigating and disclosing environmental information.

The “Supplier Engagement Rating” evaluates the companies’ initiatives for climate change and greenhouse gas emissions throughout the supply chain and ranks the companies in line with their efforts. Our strategies and initiatives were evaluated via the “Supplier Engagement Rating”.

This year 450 companies, including 110 Japanese companies were recognized on the “Supplier Engagement Leaderboard” worldwide. 

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 partner trusted by all its stakeholders.

Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd.

JGC Holdings Corporation

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.

PETRONAS CCS Ventures SDN BHD

PETROLEUM Sarawak BERHAD

Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX), JGC Holdings Corporation (JGC) and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) (hereinafter referred collectively as the “Japan Consortium (JC)”) have agreed and signed the Storage Site Agreement (“SSA”) with PETRONAS CCS Ventures Sdn. Bhd. (PCCSV) and PETROLEUM Sarawak BERHAD (PETROS) for the M3 depleted field in offshore Sarawak, Malaysia on 26th February 2024.

The SSA not only enables the feasibility studies of the CO2 storage sites starting with the M3 depleted field (M3 CCS Project), but also the planning of relevant CO2 storage site development, including onshore terminals and transportation pipelines, as well as assessment of its techno-commercial feasibility.

This collaboration represents a significant advancement in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, including Malaysia and Japan.

The signatories of the SSA were PETROS Senior Vice President, Sarawak Resource Management Nazrin Banu Shaikh S. Ahmad; PETRONAS CCS Ventures Chief Executive Officer Emry Hisham Yusoff; JAPEX Managing Executive Officer and President of Overseas Business Division II, YAMADA Tomomi; JGC Senior Executive Officer, Technology Commercialization Officer, AIKA Masahiro; and “K” LINE Managing Executive Officer, Carbon-Neutral Promotion, KANAMORI Satoshi.

Nazrin said, “As the Resource Manager in Sarawak, this step forward signifies our commitment as Sarawak’s economic growth engine leveraging as an enabler. This is the first project for the industry and the impetus to more low-carbon solution projects. We also express our gratitude for the strong support from PETRONAS CCS Ventures and the Japanese Consortium in participating in this project in Sarawak.”

Emry said, “This collaboration is not just a strategic move to unlock potential CCS opportunities in Malaysia but necessary in addressing climate change as a collective action in achieving a low-carbon future. By securely storing captured CO2 underground, CCS plays a pivotal role in decarbonizing key industries, and it is hoped that this milestone will set an impetus for other CCS initiatives within Malaysia.”

“This is in line with PETRONAS CCS Ventures “ commitment in accelerating Malaysia’s potential as a prominent regional hub for CCS. The company continues to undertake deliberate actions to accelerate the development of a sustainable energy portfolio that prioritizes responsible practices,” adds Emry.

YAMADA representing the Japanese Consortium Parties said, “We are very proud to work with PETRONAS CCS Ventures and PETROS for this epochal project and believe that expertise of each company can make great contribution for realizing the CCS value chain centered on Sarawak aiming at the decarbonization of the APAC region, including Japan.”

By executing SSA for the CCS project in Malaysia, JAPEX, JGC, “K” LINE 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)” (*1).

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

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.