NYK Line adds new 7,000 CEU LNG-fueled car carrier to roster

Japanese maritime transport giant Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) has received its latest 7,000 CEU pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) from compatriot Imabari Shipbuilding.

As disclosed, the delivery ceremony for the Japan-flagged Padma Leader was held at a yard owned by Imabari Group’s Tadotsu Shipbuilding on October 30.

The newbuilding, which has been classed by ClassNK, reportedly features an overall length of 199.93 meters, a beam of 38 meters and a draft of 38.76 meters.

According to representatives from Imabari Shipbuilding, since it will be able to run on liquefied natural gas (the most widely available and still the most attractive fuel choice among maritime stakeholders), the 18,505 dwt car carrier is projected to accomplish a 25-30% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Moreover, Padma Leader could also completely eliminate sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions and achieve an 80-90% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) via a combination of LNG and an exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR), which is a technology that slashes NOx emissions in internal combustion engines by recirculating a portion of the exhaust gas back