“K” Line adds to PCC newbuilds

DECEMBER 26, 2013 — Japan’s Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) is to add four additional new next generation car carriers to four already on order. Shipbuilders Shin Kurushima Dockyard Co. Ltd and Japan Marine United Corporation will each be building two more of the ships. Deliveries from the two shipyards of what will now be the eight ships in the series will start in 2015 and continuing through the first quarter of 2017.

“K” Line says the ships will provide better stability and better fuel efficiency. While the ships will be of the same 200 m length as existing large pure carriers, the beam is being increased from 32.2 m to about 37.5 m, increasing vehicle capacity from about 6,200 units to about 7,500 units.