Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has announced the naming of two new 174,000 m³ LNG carriers built for QatarEnergy. The ceremony took place on 3 December at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., with both vessels scheduled to serve QatarEnergy’s expanding global LNG logistics network.
The first vessel was named “SHARQ” by the wife of Mr. Yukikazu Myochin, Director and Chairperson of the Board of “K” LINE. The second vessel was named “SHAR’OUH” by the wife of Mr. Takaya Soga, President and CEO of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha. The name “SHARQ” originates from an eastern city in Qatar, while “SHAR’OUH” is named after a Qatari island.
These LNG carriers are the seventh and eighth units in a larger series of 12 newbuild vessels ordered for QatarEnergy through joint venture companies. “SHARQ” is the first of three vessels in the series that will be managed directly by the K LINE Group.
QatarEnergy, the world’s largest LNG producer, will deploy the vessels for international LNG transportation, supporting long-term global demand. Both ships are equipped with X-DF 2.1 iCER technology, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves fuel efficiency, helping to minimise environmental impact during operations.
K LINE noted that the LNG sector remains a core pillar of its long-term business strategy. As outlined in the company’s Medium-Term Management Plan published in May 2022, K LINE aims to expand long-term LNG contracts and support rising global energy requirements by providing modern, efficient and sustainable LNG shipping solutions.
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