en.Wedoany.com Reported - K Line has ordered multiple liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered car carriers in China for the short-sea and coastal transport operations of its European subsidiary, K Line European Sea Highway Services GmbH (KESS). Each vessel can carry 1,380 cars, with specific pricing and delivery dates yet to be disclosed.

The ordered vessels are Ice Class 1A, measuring 129.95 meters in length and approximately 20.5 meters in width. K Line stated that these ships are specifically designed for small-to-medium volume, high-frequency transport needs in European short-sea shipping, with specifications also meeting the size restrictions of some European car import ports. K Line believes these specifications will give KESS a competitive advantage in its European short-sea shipping operations.

The vessels are equipped with a straight stern ramp with a capacity of 60 tons. The company noted that this configuration enhances KESS's ability to handle heavy and oversized cargo, increasing flexibility in transporting various goods beyond passenger cars.

In terms of environmental performance, K Line stated that compared to conventional vessels using heavy fuel oil, the use of LNG fuel is expected to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 25% to 30% and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions by nearly 100%. To further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the company will also consider using biodiesel and bio-LNG fuels, or liquefied biomethane. Each vessel is equipped with a high-pressure ME-GI engine with a shaft generator, which reduces methane slip emissions.

K Line previously set a target of having approximately 40 LNG-powered vessels by 2030. According to the company's November 2025 financial report, 12 LNG-fueled car carriers have already been delivered, with plans to reach 30 eco-friendly vessels by fiscal year 2030. In addition to LNG-fueled vessels and one LNG bunkering vessel, K Line also operates a large fleet of LNG carriers, expected to reach 65 LNG carriers by fiscal year 2026.

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