Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, known as “K” LINE, has announced the naming of a new 174,000-cubic-metre membrane-type LNG carrier during a ceremony held at Samsung Heavy Industries on May 19.

The vessel, named Diamond Gas Jade, was named by Tetsuro Wada, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Global Energy, in the presence of Yukikazu Myochin, Chairman of “K” LINE. The LNG carrier is owned by a joint venture company and is scheduled to support the LNG Canada Project, in which Mitsubishi Corporation participates.

The name “JADE” was selected in reference to British Columbia, Canada, where the LNG Canada Project is located and where jade is regarded as a well-known regional specialty. According to the companies, the name symbolises hopes for the project’s long-term prosperity and success.

“K” LINE said the charter agreement with Diamond Global Energy represents its first long-term charter contract involving a newly built LNG vessel. The company added that the ship is expected to play a key role in supporting the global energy supply chain through the safe and efficient transportation of liquefied natural gas amid rising worldwide energy demand.

In its medium-term management plan announced in 2022, “K” LINE identified the LNG sector as a strategic investment priority. The company said it will continue expanding long-term LNG shipping contracts to meet growing customer and market demand. -OGN/ TradeArabia News Service