Kakurei Maru LNG Carrier Delivered

Tokyo, November 27, 2008 — Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation today delivered the Kakurei Maru, a 2,500 m³ LNG carrier, to Tsurumi Sunmarine Co., Ltd. The vessel marks the 1,596th built by Kawasaki Shipbuilding and the fourth LNG carrier intended for domestic use.

The Kakurei Maru is an 86.2 m long, compact coastal vessel designed to carry very low-temperature LNG. Demonstrating Kawasaki Shipbuilding’s long-accumulated expertise in developing and building such carriers, it is equipped with two insulated, cryogenic cargo tanks that are capable of safely absorbing temperature contractions. The unique cylindrical tanks are arranged horizontally in cargo compartments independent of the hull.

The cargo tanks are also designed as pressure tanks so that the boil-off gas (BOG) produced by external heat can be contained without venting or treating. The tanks are protected by double-side hulls and bottoms. As with larger LNG Carriers, the tanks also feature covers that protect them against external shocks and provide thermal insulation from ambient temperatures.

Unlike conventional large LNG Carriers, the Kakurei Maru employs a diesel engine as its main engine, since it does not need to consume BOG as fuel during voyage. These engines are usually used for merchant ships.