Japanese shipping company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) has begun using bio-LNG fuel to power its vessels. This move aligns with the company’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. On July 1, 2025, K Line announced the first deployment of bio-LNG supplied by Shell Western LNG. The fuel was used to power the car carrier Oceanus Highway, marking a significant step toward sustainable shipping.
Shell delivered 500 tons of bio-LNG at the Belgian Port of Zeebrugge on June 16, 2025. The vessel powered by this renewable fuel is a 6,900 CEU LNG-powered pure car and truck carrier delivered earlier this year. It features a gross tonnage of 75,259 tons, a length of 199.95 meters, and a beam of 38 meters.
Bio-LNG, or liquefied bio-methane, is derived from renewable organic waste and residues. It is ISCC-EU certified to have a carbon intensity of less than zero over its entire lifecycle. Because bio-LNG is compatible with existing LNG infrastructure, it offers a drop-in solution that can help accelerate decarbonization in the shipping industry.
Dexter Belmar, Shell’s Vice President of Downstream LNG, stated that bio-LNG is a scalable solution available now. Belmar noted that increasing liquefied bio-methane availability and commercial viability reassures customers that their fleets can further reduce emissions effectively.
Hiroto Arai, General Manager of K Line’s Environmental and Technical Strategy Group, highlighted that using liquefied bio-methane is a critical step. He explained that partnering with Shell, a global energy leader, positions K Line to lead the shipping industry’s transition to renewable fuels.
K Line has set ambitious targets for the future. The company aims to improve CO2 emission efficiency by 50% by 2030, surpassing the IMO’s 40% target. These efforts reflect a strategic focus on reducing the environmental impact of maritime transport through renewable fuel adoption and innovative technology.
