K Line has signed a deal with QatarEnergy for the long-term time charter for seven newbuild LNG carriers.
The 174,000m³ vessels are currently being built by Hyundai Heavy Industries.
QatarEnergy is one of the world’s largest LNG producers and will allocate the newbuilding vessels to transport LNG around the world. The Gulf state is working on the North Field East expansion, the world’s largest LNG project which will ramp up Qatar’s capacity to 126 million tonnes per year by 2027.
The newbuilding vessels will be equipped with X-DF 2.1 iCER low speed dual-fuel engines and air lubrication systems which will help reduce GHG emissions and fuel consumption.
Since the delivery of Bishu Maru in 1983, Japan’s first LNG carrier, K Line has been establishing itself as an expert on LNG transportation and developing its worldwide network.
In its Medium-Term Management Plan published in May 2022, K Line has placed LNG business as one of the top priority areas for future investment.
