First large LNG-fuelled PCTC to be built in Japan

Japanese shipping group Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) has signed a contract with Japanese yard Shin Kurushima for one of the world's largest LNG-fuelled pure car and truck carriers (PCTC). Several new design features have been used to increase the cargo loading space and the new vessel will carry about 7,000 vehicles per voyage.
The keel laying ceremony for the 73,500gt ship was held at Shin Kurushima on September 20. The ship is scheduled to be delivered in 2020.
It will be 199.95m long and 38m wide. The vessel is being built with the support of Japan’s Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Transport because of its capability to reduce CO₂ emissions by using alternative fuel. The car carrier will be about 40% more energy-efficient than traditional ships of this type. It will exceed the International Maritime Organisation’s pollution reduction requirements which will become effective in 2025. The vessel is additionally expected to reduce sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions by approximately 99% and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by approximately 86% compared with conventional heavy oil-fired engines.