New Edge To Kawasaki LPGC Prowess

The 230m Axis River offers a loading volume of 86,900m³ within the same main dimensions as the preceding 84,000m³ series, plus extra trading scope through the capability to transport ammonia. Moreover, the MAN propulsion machinery enables operation on LPG while ClassNK has approved the provision in the ship’s overall design for future modification to allow the use of ammonia as fuel.

KHI’s experience in the specific field of construction is second-to-none, as the Axis River represents its 71^st LPGC completion to date, eight of which can run on LPG drawn from the cargo itself. As well as achieving full compliance with sulphur emission regulations, obviating the need for secondary treatment, operating on LPG results in up to 18% lower CO² emissions. The ship meets phase 3 criteria of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI).

Placed into service with K Line, and a product of KHI’s Sakaide complex on Shikoku’s Inland Sea shore, the capacious LPG/ammonia carrier provides additional earning volume within the length, beam and draught parameters governing the previous LPGC vessels for berthing at major terminals around the world. Husbandry has been entrusted to wholly-owned K Marine Ship Management (KMSM), established in Singapore at the beginning of 2022 as the successor to K Line Energy Ship Management, overseeing oil and gas tankers. KMSM also incorporates the group’s technical division to accelerate the process of decarbonisation and digital transformation.

The main engine of the Axis River is a six-cylinder model of the G60ME-C10.5-LGIP type specified at a maximum continuous output of 12,150kW on a crankshaft rotation of 84rpm, well below the design’s nominal MCR of 17,040kW at 103rpm. Manufactured by KHI under licence from MAN Energy Solutions, the unit is equipped with high-pressure selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and exhaust gas recovery (EGR) technology, thereby fulfilling NOx emission stipulations in control areas even when operating on conventional, albeit low-sulphur, fuel oil.

The liquid gas injection ME-LGIP dual-fuel engine allows switching between VLSFO, marine gas oil and LPG fuels, with no loss of performance and efficiency, conferring the flexibility to react to environmental stipulations and fuel market price changes. Using LPG cargo as the fuel source, albeit with a consequent reduction in delivered shipment volume, offers certain logistical benefits and cost savings, including reduced time and fees for bunkering.

Contributory measures to the hydrodynamic efficiency of the vessel design include the use of the Kawasaki RBS-F (rudder bulb system with fins) and SDS-F (semi-duct system with contra-fins), and energy-saving fins around the propeller.

The provision for ammonia cargo and arrangements to facilitate future addition of ammonia to the range of fuels on which the ship can be operated reflect its increasing adoption in the global energy transition.

MAIN PARTICULARS – Axis River