First dual-use LPG carrier in Japan
The naming ceremony for the LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)-fuelled LPG carrier "Crystal Asteria", which is being built for Kumiai Navigation, was held at the Sakaide Shipyard recently.
The vessel is Japan's first dual-fuel LPG carrier, capable of running on both LPG and low-sulphur fuel oil. It is scheduled for delivery before the end of 2021.
As the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) tightens regulations on greenhouse gases and other polluting emissions, LPG fuel is attracting attention as a cleaner alternative to heavy oil. There has been a notable acceleration in the move to LPG-fuelled vessels in the gas carrier sector in particular.
Kawasaki Group has already built LPG carriers, LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) carriers and LNG-fuelled propulsion vessels. (cd)