“K” LINE Group will participate in Wind Expo 2025 to be held from February 19^th to February 21st at Tokyo Big Sight.

Co-operating with overseas partners who already have track records and know-how around offshore wind, “K LINE Group has been pursuing the best and creative solutions to the development of offshore wind supply chain in Japan and enhancing our capabilities to support such development.

As the first step, in September 2024, we have established a joint venture company, “EK Geotechnical Survey LLC” to service the offshore marine geo-survey sector with Japanese flagged geotechnical survey vessel “EK HAYATE”. *

“K” LINE, “K” Line Kinkai, “K” Line Wind Service, “K” Line Logistics and Daito Corporation will present their activities with ship models and movies at the booth. You are always welcome at our booth and for the seminar. Please visit us! 

* Released on October 3^rd, 2024:

Establishment of a Joint Venture for Offshore Geo-Survey – Delivery of geo-survey vessel “EK HAYATE” to Japan-

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/carbon-neutral/carbon-neutral-20241003.html

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has conducted a review of its disclosure of information based on the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).^*1

“K” LINE endorsed the TCFD recommendations in 2018 and started its disclosure of information based on the TCFD framework in 2019. In consideration of the most current situation, which is constantly changing, it has reviewed the scenario analysis recommended by the TCFD while at the same time estimated the financial impact of climate change risks and opportunities in the four categories identified in the TCFD recommendations, governance, strategy, risk management and metrics and targets, with a view toward enhancing the content of the information it disclosures.

URL for information disclosed based on the TCFD framework

TCFD-Based Information Disclosure

“K” LINE believes the TCFD recommendations will contribute to the development of sustainable society. It will continue to enhance its TCFD framework-based disclosure of information, including information about the financial impact of climate change risks and opportunities.

*1           TCFD is a taskforce focused on the disclosure of climate-related financial information established by the Financial Stability Board (FSB). The TCFD has been recommending that businesses evaluate the financial impact of climate-related risks and opportunities on their management of their organizations and disclosure information in four categories: governance, strategy, risk management and metrics and targets.

NEREUS HIGHWAY, a car carrier with a capacity of 7,000 vehicles, has recently been delivered to Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE). The vessel is mainly fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and was constructed by CHINA MERCHANTS JINLING SHIPYARD (JIANGSU) CO., LTD. This is the first LNG-fueled vessel that “K” LINE has placed an order with a Chinese shipyard.

LNG fuel is expected to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas (GHG), by 25% to 30%, emissions of sulfur oxides (SO_x), which cause air pollution, by almost 100%, and emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO_x) by approximately 75%, which is compliant with IMO Tier III NO_x regulations, compared to conventional vessels using heavy fuel oil. It is equipped with the latest dual-fuel electronic control engine, “7X62DF-2.1 iCER” by WinGD, which will reduce methane slip when using LNG fuel.

In “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 -Blue Seas for the Future- *¹, we have set the 2030 interim target of improving CO2 emissions efficiency by 50% compared with 2008, surpassing the IMO target of a 40% improvement. Furthermore, we set our new target for 2050 as “The Challenge of Achieving Net-Zero GHG Emissions.” As an action plan, we 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 199.99 meters x Beam 38.00 meters x Depth 39.28 meters x Draft 9.00 meters

Gross Ton:   75,698 T

Main Engine:  WinGD 7X62DF-2.1

Speed:    19.0 KTS

Class: DNV

Flag:   Panama

Builder:   CHINA MERCHANTS JINLING SHIPYARD (JIANGSU) CO., LTD.

*1. “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) is pleased to announce the execution of four long-term Time Charter contracts through joint  venture companies*¹ with QatarEnergy*². The joint venture companies have concurrently executed Shipbuilding contracts for 174,000m3 LNG carriers with Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd.

QatarEnergy is the world’s largest LNG producer and will allocate the newbuilding vessels to transport LNG around the world.

The newbuilding vessels will be equipped with X-DF2.2 iCER*³, VCR*⁴ and other energy saving devices which will contribute to reduction of GHG emissions and realize the ease of environmental impact by lower fuel consumption in operation.

Additionally, the new building vessels will obtain OCCS-Ready notation from classification society by conducting an evaluation for future installation of the OCCS*⁵, in anticipation of further GHG reduction.

Since the delivery of “Bishu Maru” in 1983 as the first Japanese LNG carrier, “K” LINE has been establishing expertise on LNG transportation and developing its worldwide network for over 40 years.

“K” LINE and QatarEnergy have had long-term relationship through several existing projects. The new four Time Charter contracts will further strengthen the business relationship.

In our Medium-Term Management Plan published in May 2022*⁶, “K” LINE has placed LNG business as one of the top priority areas in the future investment. “K” LINE will further expand long-term contracts and accommodate growing energy demands by responding to various customers’ needs.

*1. It is sponsored by “K” LINE together with Hyundai Glovis Co., Ltd.

*2. QatarEnergy is a state energy company of Qatar.

(QatarEnergy Release)

March 31, 2024：QATARENERGY’S HISTORIC FLEET EXPANSION PROGRAM HITS 104 CONVENTIONAL LNG VESSELS

https://www.qatarenergy.qa/en/MediaCenter/Pages/newsdetails.aspx?ItemId=3803

*3. X-DF2.2 iCER is a low speed dual-fuel engine with gas at low pressure and is equipped with exhaust gas recirculation system.

*4. VCR is technology to optimize the compression ratio of the main engine.

*5. OCCS is Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage.

*6. Medium-Term Management Plan (Released on May 9, 2022)

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/ir/management/strategy.html

Main Particulars of the Vessel

Demonstration test of autonomous navigation system on large RORO cargo

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has been participated in the Joint Technological Development Program for the Demonstration test of Fully Autonomous Ships under the MEGURI 2040 Fully Autonomous Ship Project* (MEGURI2040) administrated by the Nippon Foundation.

In this time, we succeeded the sea demonstration test with PoC** stage of autonomous navigation system consisting of single function on board ship aiming to social implementation of fully autonomous ship, and we implemented on a round-trip route of approximately 1,600 km between Hitachi Port and Kushiro Port, which is the existing RORO cargo ship service route.

PoC overview

The autonomous navigation system was installed on the 11,413 gross-ton large RORO cargo ship “HOKUREN MARU No. 2” operated by KAWASAKI KINKAI KISEN KAISHA, Ltd.

Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen) for a total of 3 voyages starting on October 1, 2023***.

We confirmed that recognition, analysis, and decision making by the autonomous navigation system are executed with a high degree of accuracy in coastal navigation. In the experimental route, the autonomous navigation system was used to navigate while maintaining the normal crew navigation tasks, and in situations where avoidance was necessary, the autonomous navigation system proposed avoidance routes and controlled steering to safely avoid other vessels. The autonomous navigation system has achieved an average system operation rate of approximately 96% in the sea area set as ODD****.

Our approach in PoC

We led the implementation of the sea demonstration test for the retrofit of an onboard system, the autonomous navigation system (Target Detection, Planning, Actuation), which is being developed for social implementation in the second stage of MEGURI2040. During the test voyages, we provided expertise as maritime professionals.

In the future, we will utilize the data obtained from the sea demonstration tests to further enhance the autonomous navigation system, incorporating our expertise in safe operations, which is one of our strengths.

Our approach to 2025

We will continue to collaborate with Japan Radio Co., Ltd., YDK Technologies Co., Ltd., and Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen to further develop a comprehensive system that contributes to the improvement of fully autonomous ships technology. We will continue to enhance the onboard system based on the research and development achievements thus far and develop an automatic vessel speed control system in preparation for the 2025 sea demonstration test. Our goal is to create an autonomous navigation system with high versatility that can be implemented in various types of vessels.

Furthermore, we will work on the development of off board system and ship-to-shore communication systems, aiming to establish continuous monitoring of vessel conditions from shore and provide navigational assistance. We will focus on the development and demonstration of ship-to-shore coordination technology.

* A subsidization scheme to cultivate further momentum for technological development in the field of fully autonomous ships, promoting changes in logistics, economies, and social infrastructure in Japan, and supporting such technological development through the success of the world’s first fully autonomous operation trials by domestic coastal vessels. We are participating as a member of the Designing the Future of Fully Autonomous Ships Plus consortium (DFFAS+).

** PoC（Proof of Concept）：Verification process prior to prototype development

This is the sea demonstration test of the On board system only, and is one of the efforts toward the 2025 demonstration test of an Fully Autonomous Ship connected to shore-side-system.

*** Voyage 1 : October 1-3, 2023, Voyage 2 : October 9-11, 2023, Voyage 3 : October 17-19, 2023

**** ODD（Operational Design Domain）：Operational design areas where autonomous navigation systems operate normally

Related Release

July 21, 2023: Participating in the Second Stage of the Nippon Foundation MEGURI2040 Fully Autonomous Ship Project for Social Implementation

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/csr/csr-20231127.html

GEODIS upgrades road network capabilities, connects Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam

GEODIS, a global leading transport and logistics services provider, has expanded its road network in Southeast Asia to Vietnam; another step towards its ambition to develop a scheduled road service connecting Singapore to China. GEODIS’ own fleet of vehicles and expanded network of partners enables full and partial loads to be carried by road along the Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand axis, and now Vietnam. The addition of the service to Vietnam will serve businesses driving the manufacturing boom in that country over recent years, helping the region become a vital supply chain node for many high-tech, retail, and FMCG businesses.

Launched in November 2019, the Road Transport service of GEODIS in Southeast Asia was created to meet the needs of companies looking for a day-definite road transportation solution for their cargo, in the range of 30 to 1000 kilos per shipment.

The expanded road network for Full Truck Load (FTL) and Less than Truck Load (LTL) service provide freight management from first to last mile and offers additional options for existing GEODIS customers, in addition to air and ocean transport modes.  The door-to-door road option has the advantage of loading space flexibility, with benefits of lower rates than air freight, shorter transit times than ocean freight, and on-the-ground expertise for customs clearance.

Since March 2021, GEODIS has expanded its road network capabilities by offering both standard and personalized solutions including its RoadDirect, RoadFast, and RoadSave services. With these differing levels of service, GEODIS balances transit time and costs to ensure customers can tailor the solution that best fits their needs; to include door-to-door service, customs brokerage and onward distribution.

Accompanying the new expansion of the Road Transport service of GEODIS is a dedicated access to a rate calculator and automated quotation system, which will be available towards the end of 2021.

“Our expanded service aims to give our customers greater flexibility and reliability of service in the context of current supply chain disruptions affecting air and sea cargo flows,” said Lakshmanan Venkateswaran, Sub-Regional Managing Director – South East Asia. “The service refinements come at a pivotal time as ASEAN’s manufacturing productivity and market expansion are gaining momentum due to the confluence of events that is motivating global companies to diversify their supply chain options”.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a global leading transport and logistics services provider recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a global network spanning nearly 170 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

Jürgen Adler has been appointed head of the Automotive market, one of the strategic vertical markets in which GEODIS is seeking to expand.

Jürgen Adler, age 43, is a German national and holds a degree in Transport and Logistics from the University of Bonn. He has more than 25 years’ experience in the logistics and transport sector of the automotive industry.

Speaking several languages, he has worked on five continents, principally in Germany, France, China and the United States.

His aim will be to address the specific expectations of the sector, which is currently facing significant structural changes as well as ongoing supply chain disruptions, in a sector where “just-in-time” is a standard.

Philippe de Carné, Executive Vice President Business Development, Innovation & CSR, said: “Faced with the increasingly rapid pace of change in the field of new mobility, Jürgen will draw on his experience to help GEODIS customers in the Automotive sector manage their supply chains on a global scale, taking account of the challenges of flexibility and cost reduction.”

Jürgen Adler said: “I am delighted to be joining GEODIS, where I will be able to contribute to developing solutions for the Automotive market. Both manufacturers and suppliers need a reliable logistics partner who can bridge the visibility gap through its global end-to-end solutions.”

Jürgen Adler joined GEODIS on October 1, 2021. He is based in the GEODIS offices in Frankfurt, Germany.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a global leading transport and logistics services provider recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a global network spanning nearly 170 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.