NYK Holds Naming Ceremony for Dual-Fuel LPG/Ammonia Carrier

Japanese shipping company NYK recently celebrated the naming ceremony for its latest dual-fuel LPG/ammonia carrier, Luna Pathfinder. The vessel was constructed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) and marks the sixth LPG carrier ordered by NYK.

The ceremony took place on August 5 at KHI’s Sakaide Works, following the delivery of Liberty Pathfinder in October. Luna Pathfinder, like its sister vessels, will be chartered to Astomos Energy Corporation.

Key Features of Luna Pathfinder

Luna Pathfinder has an impressive 86,920 cubic meter tank capacity, measuring 229.9 meters in length and 37.2 meters in breadth. One of its standout features is the dual-fuel engine, which allows the vessel to run on both heavy oil and LPG fuel.

By utilizing the rotation of the shaft connected from the main engine to the propeller for electricity generation, Luna Pathfinder can operate primarily on LPG fuel, reducing emissions significantly. When using LPG, sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions are cut by over 95% and greenhouse gases (GHG) by more than 20% compared to traditional heavy fuel oil.

Adaptability to Ammonia

In addition to LPG, Luna Pathfinder is capable of carrying ammonia. With the rising demand for ammonia as a decarbonization solution in the shipping industry, the vessel is well-equipped to meet future requirements.

The versatility of Luna Pathfinder showcases NYK’s commitment to sustainable shipping practices and innovation in the maritime sector. By investing in dual-fuel technology and accommodating alternative fuels like ammonia, NYK is leading the way towards a greener future for maritime transportation.