Japanese shipping major Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE) has placed an order for four LNG dual-fuel car carriers at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing) Co., Ltd., strengthening its commitment to lower-emission vehicle transportation in the European short-sea market.
The new vessels, each with a capacity of approximately 1,380 vehicles, will be operated by K Line European Sea Highway Services GmbH (KESS) and are specifically designed for regional vehicle distribution services across Europe.
Unlike the large Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) used in deep-sea trades, the vessels are tailored for European short-sea operations where port accessibility, cargo flexibility and environmental performance are key considerations. Their dimensions have been optimized to meet size restrictions at several European car import terminals while maintaining operational efficiency.
Each vessel will have an overall length of approximately 129.95 metres, a beam of 20.5 metres, and Ice Class 1A notation, enabling year-round operations in northern European waters. In addition to passenger vehicles, the ships will be equipped with 60-tonne straight stern ramps, allowing them to transport heavy and oversized cargo.
The vessels will be powered by LNG dual-fuel propulsion systems featuring high-pressure ME-GI engines and shaft generators. According to K LINE, the use of LNG is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 25–30% and virtually eliminate sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions compared with conventional heavy fuel oil. Vacuum-insulated LNG fuel tanks have also been incorporated to minimize boil-off gas generation and reduce methane slip.
The order further reinforces the growing position of China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in the environmentally focused car carrier sector. Earlier this year, United European Car Carriers placed orders at the yard for two 3,000 CEU multi-fuel battery-hybrid car carriers, following a previous contract for two 4,500 CEU battery-hybrid PCTCs.
With demand increasing for cleaner and more efficient vehicle transportation solutions, the latest order highlights the continued evolution of specialized car carrier designs, ranging from LNG dual-fuel vessels to multi-fuel and battery-hybrid platforms, particularly within the European short-sea shipping market.
