Kawasaki Heavy Industries recently delivered an 86,700 cubic meter very large gas carrier (VLGC). Named “CRYSTAL ODYSSEY,” this VLGC is the eighth new LPG carrier capable of transporting liquefied ammonia delivered by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. It is also the 15th LPG dual-fuel VLGC and the 78th LPG carrier delivered by the shipbuilder.
The “CRYSTAL ODYSSEY” measures 229.9 meters in length, 37.2 meters in width, and 21.9 meters in depth. While its length and width are comparable to an 84,000 cubic meter LPG carrier, its cargo tank capacity has been increased, allowing the vessel to dock at major LPG terminals worldwide. The VLGC is equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for its main engine and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for its generators. Energy-saving technologies such as Kawasaki RBS-F and Kawasaki SDS-F further enhance fuel efficiency.
LPG carriers are a key focus for Kawasaki Heavy Industries. For example, in the 2024 fiscal year, the company holds orders for 14 vessels, 12 of which are LPG carriers, with the remaining two being submarines.
Beyond innovating VLGC designs and exploring better solutions for liquid ammonia transportation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries is also developing plans for liquefied hydrogen (LH2) carriers. The company is collaborating with Imabari Shipbuilding and Japan Marine United (JMU) to establish an LH2 carrier construction system, focusing on specialized research for the production of LH2 carriers designed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and subsequent models to advance their commercial mass production.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has officially released the “Forecast of Future Carbon-Neutral Cargo Ship Demand in Japan (Interim Report),” which sets a goal for Japan’s shipbuilding industry to “secure a leading market share in next-generation vessel orders by 2030.” Based on projections, Japan may require 940 LH2 carriers with a capacity of 40,000 cubic meters each by 2050 to transport imported hydrogen.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries holds significant technical advantages and experience in the LH2 carrier sector. The company’s earlier design for a 160,000 cubic meter LH2 carrier has received Approval in Principle (AIP) from classification societies. The vessel, approximately 346 meters long and 57 meters wide, features four 40,000 cubic meter liquefied hydrogen storage tanks. To enable large-scale maritime transport of liquefied hydrogen and ensure long-term stable cryogenic storage, Kawasaki Heavy Industries independently developed the CC61H cargo containment system. This system minimizes external heat intrusion through a double-layer structure, achieving superior insulation performance.
According to local Japanese media reports, due to higher demand for mid-sized vessels in the early market stages, Kawasaki Heavy Industries is considering modifying the total cargo tank capacity of this design from 16,000 cubic meters to 40,000 cubic meters.
The world’s first commercially operated LH2 carrier was also built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Named “SUISO FRONTIER,” this LH2 carrier measures 116 meters in length, 19 meters in width, and 10.6 meters in depth, with a storage tank capacity of 1,250 cubic meters. The cargo tank support structure is made of highly durable fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), offering exceptional insulation. In addition to designs such as a vacuum dome, double-layer stainless steel insulation shell, and insulated support structure, Kawasaki Heavy Industries optimized the vessel for liquid hydrogen transport characteristics in its diesel-electric propulsion system, ventilation ducts, deck machinery monitoring, and cabin equipment control during construction.
