Freight News, Logistics, Sea

‘K’ Line Makes Long-term Switch to bio-LNG Fuel

[ April 1, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd., known as “K” Line, said March 31 it has begun using bio-LNG fuel for its liquefied natural gas-powered car carriers under a new long-term procurement agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The company said the agreement will support the continued supply of carbon-neutral liquefied bio methane, or bio-LNG, and is expected to reduce emissions by about 60,800 tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Bio-LNG is produced from organic waste such as livestock manure and food residues and is considered a lower-emissions alternative to conventional liquefied natural gas. The fuel can be used in existing LNG-fueled vessels without modification, allowing carriers to reduce emissions without major changes to fleet infrastructure.

“K” Line said the fuel it is using is certified under the ISCC-EU program, which verifies compliance with European Union sustainability standards under the Renewable Energy Directive. The certification is intended to ensure that fuels derived from biomass and waste meet requirements for lifecycle emissions reductions.

The company said the move is part of a broader strategy to decarbonize maritime transport and reduce emissions across supply chains in coordination with customers and other stakeholders.

“K” Line has set a target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 under its Environmental Vision 2050 plan. The company has been expanding its fleet of LNG-fueled vessels and is positioning bio-LNG as a near-term solution to cut emissions while it develops and adopts zero-emission fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen.

The continued use of bio-LNG is expected to play a key role in bridging the transition to those future fuels, the company said.

“K” Line said it will continue to pursue decarbonization initiatives, including the adoption of carbon-neutral and zero-emission fuels, as the shipping industry faces increasing regulatory and customer pressure to reduce its environmental impact.

Tags: K Line, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd.