“K” Line and Toho Gas Name New LNG Carrier “Toho Emerald” in South Korea
Joint Venture Reinforces Japanese Energy Security with Advanced Dual-Fuel Vessel from Samsung Heavy Industries
A new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, named “Toho Emerald,” was officially christened during a ceremony at a Samsung Heavy Industries facility in South Korea on 9 September. The vessel is jointly owned by Japanese shipping giant Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” Line) and Toho Gas, a prominent utility company.
The “Toho Emerald” is a result of the T.K. LNG Shipping Pte. Ltd. joint venture, established in Singapore specifically for the ownership and operation of LNG carriers and engagement in LNG transportation. This collaborative structure is a common strategy in the LNG shipping sector, allowing operators like “K” Line to partner with energy companies to secure dedicated tonnage for long-term transport needs.
Measuring approximately 290 metres in length with a beam of around 45.8 metres, the vessel boasts a substantial tank capacity of 174,000 m3.
A key feature of the new carrier is its ME-GA dual-fuel engine, designed to primarily run on LNG. “K” Line highlights that this engine configuration ensures highly efficient operation and contributes to a reduced environmental impact, combining excellent exhaust gas performance with economic efficiency. The ME-GA engine, a low-pressure gas admission system, offers fuel flexibility and represents an important step in modern dual-fuel marine engine development, particularly relevant for LNG carriers.
The acquisition of the “Toho Emerald” aligns with “K” Line’s strategic objectives. In its Medium-Term Management Plan, “K” Line has positioned the LNG carrier business as a crucial growth driver. The company aims to stabilise earnings through long-term contracts, accommodate increasing energy demand, and advance its growth strategy by addressing diverse customer requirements. “K” Line is on track to expand its LNG carrier fleet to 65 vessels by fiscal 2026.
For Toho Gas, the investment in the new LNG carrier is an integral part of its strategy to enhance LNG procurement capabilities and ensure a stable energy supply. Toho Gas, the third-largest city gas provider in Japan, has outlined plans to diversify its procurement areas, price indexes, and contract types to secure affordable and flexible LNG supplies. The name “Toho Emerald” itself symbolises the company’s aspirations for “future,” “foresight,” and “stability” in supporting a consistent energy supply, alongside its vision for further development and sustainable growth.
The vessel was constructed by Samsung Heavy Industries, one of South Korea’s leading shipbuilders. The yard continues to play a significant role in delivering specialised LNG carriers for global energy and shipping companies, experiencing a rebound in the LNG carrier market with substantial new orders.
Delivery of the “Toho Emerald” is anticipated in October, marking its entry into service to support the global energy supply chain and, specifically, Toho Gas’s operations.