Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced on Friday (Jun30) its delivery of the AXIS RIVER (Kawasaki hull no. 1756), an 86,700 m3 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ammonia (NH3) carrier powered by LPG.
The “AXIS RIVER” is the first of Kawasaki’s newest-design 86,700 m3 capacity, LPG-fueled LPG/NH3 carrier, with the increased cargo capacity from the existing 84,000m3 LPG Carrier as well as ammonia loading capability. As for LPG-powered vessels, Kawasaki has completed eight vessels to date, and the “AXIS RIVER” is its seventy-first LPG carrier in total.
This latest LPG/NH3 carrier has a capability of simultaneous transportation of LPG, which is already widely used as a low-carbon-emission energy source, and ammonia, which may be expected to be utilized as a new fuel in the low- and zero-carbon-emission societies. Furthermore, this vessel is designed to increase cargo tank capacity, with keeping its principal dimensions like LOA and beam similar to conventional-type vessels so that the carrier can be berthed at major LPG terminals around the world.
In consideration of the strengthening of environmental regulations around the world and action plans for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Kawasaki will continue to develop and provide customers with environmental-friendly ship technologies with a focus on LPG carriers and LPG/NH3 carriers powered by LPG, as well as other types merchant vessels in comply with the latest environmental regulations,— including liquefied hydrogen carriers, the cargo of which is expected to be a fuel that is gaining popularity as a next-generation energy source. In this way, Kawasaki will contribute toward the realization of low- and zero-carbon-emission societies.
Specifications:
| Length overall | 229.90 m |
| Molded breadth | 37.20 m |
| Molded depth | 21.90 m |
| Molded draft | 11.60 m |
| Speed | Approx. 17.0 knots |
| Crew complement | 35 |
| Gross tonnage | 49,542 T |
| Deadweight | 56,503 t |
| Cargo tank capacity | 86,919 m3 |
| Main engine | One set of Kawasaki-MAN B&W 6G60ME-C10.5-LGIP diesel engine |
| Classification/country of registration | Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) / Panama |
Features:
- This carrier is equipped with the Kawasaki-MAN B&W 6G60ME-C10.5-LGIP, a Kawasaki-made, electronically controlled, LPG-injection marine diesel engine (ME-LGIP engine). By utilizing LPG as fuel, it is possible to significantly reduce sulfur oxide (SOx) and CO2 emissions in exhaust gases compared with ships running on conventional marine fuel oil, enabling compliance with SOx emission standards and EEDI phase 3 regulations.
- The propulsion system is compliant with nitrogen oxide (NOx) Tier III requirements and utilizes EGR and SCR equipment. Thanks to this system, the vessel is able to travel in NOx emission control areas (ECAs) even when operating on conventional low-sulfur fuel.
- Fuel consumption amounts are reduced through the inclusion of the Kawasaki RBS-F (Rudder Bulb System with Fins), the Kawasaki SDS-F (Semi-Duct System with contra Fins), and energy-saving fins around the propeller.
- The concept design for a system that utilizes ammonia as fuel on this vessel has been approved by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). Therefore, it is possible to modify ship design specifications to enable the use of ammonia as fuel in the future.