Kawasaki Develops New LNG Dual-fuel System for Medium-sized Tankers

Tokyo, December 25, 2019 — Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that Lloyd's Register (LR) has granted approval in principle (AiP) for a medium-sized oil tanker, developed by Sumitomo Heavy Industries Marine & Engineering Co., Ltd., that uses a liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel system developed by Kawasaki for medium-sized tankers. This was the first AiP received for a ship built outside of the Kawasaki Group and equipped with Kawasaki's LNG dual-fuel system.

As the industry faces increasingly strict gas emission regulations from the International Maritime Organization, LNG fuel and other clean fuels are gradually gaining popularity as alternatives fuels. Amid such changes, Kawasaki has obtained various AiPs for LNG dual-fuel systems designed for its own ships.

The Sumitomo Heavy Industries Marine & Engineering medium-sized oil tanker which received this recent AiP had its placement of the LNG fuel tank and other elements adjusted to enable the use of a dual-fuel (LNG and heavy fuel oil) supply and usage system without sacrificing cargo tank capacity. Based on the IGF Code* and ship classification rules that need to be observed for LNG fuel use, Kawasaki conducted technical reviews for the LNG fuel supply system, LNG fuel tank and safety measures required for using LNG fuel, leveraging its experience in the field to assist Sumitomo Heavy Industries Marine & Engineering in obtaining the AiP for their vessel.

Based on technological capabilities cultivated through the construction of LNG carriers over the years, Kawasaki has fostered a range of LNG-related applied technologies through the development of the world's first LNG-fueled pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) delivered in 2016, a newly developed LNG bunkering vessel, and various LNG-fueled ships. Utilizing this technological background, the company applies its LNG fuel supply systems and LNG fuel tanks for LNG-fueled vessels, as well as LNG-related technologies and knowledge to in-house shipbuilding and the provision of LNG dual-fuel systems for other companies' vessels, thus contributing to the reduction of emission gases in the marine shipping industry.