Kawasaki wins LNG orders

Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) is to build and operate two LNG carriers for use by Osaka Gas Company to import LNG, and has concluded a shipbuilding contract with Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation. The first carrier is scheduled to be completed in December 2008, and the second carrier is due for completion in 2009. Although both carriers will have the same 289.5 metre long hull size as the 145,000 cubic metre class ships, the newbuildings will have a capacity of 153,000 cubic metres. This has been achieved by stretching 3 of the four Moss type containment tanks by 2 meters vertically which has increased each vessel?s carrying capacity by about 5.5%. The first carrier will enter service for the “Qalhat LNG Project” through which LNG is imported from Oman. Osaka Gas will commence receiving LNG from 2009 and import approximately 800,000 tonnes annually. This first carrier will be jointly owned by NYK, Osaka Gas International Transport, an affiliated company of Osaka Gas, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” Line). The second carrier owned by NYK and Osaka Gas International Transport, will be operated for a new LNG project that Osaka Gas is to develop.