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Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (K Line) and Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (K Line Kinkai) have agreed to work on a joint study to develop an LNG-fuelled passenger ferry for K Line Kinkai.

The study covers vessel specifications, engine types and technical verifications for LNG handling.

K Line Kinkai has already embarked on a study to launch an LNG-powered ferry, and the company believes the collaboration with K Line - to develop what would be Japan's first passenger LNG-fuelled ferry - will "accelerate" the project.

As an operator of LNG carriers, K Line has extensive experience in the field of LNG, and the firm has also been studying the introduction of various types of LNG-powered vessels, including car carriers and tugboats, as well as an LNG supply business.

Also, as reported last week, K Line, together with Japan's two other leading shippers, Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), has agreed to hold a working group to conduct a feasibility study on LNG bunkering for car carriers operating between Japan and Singapore.

K Line Group says it is keen to promote environmental measures that are in line with 'K Line Environmental Vision 2050' - the group's long-term environment management vision towards 2050.

Hailing alternative fuels such as LNG and LPG, K Line said: "Having more than 40 years of experience in [the] operation and management of liquefied gas carriers, we will continue to aim with collective effort of 'K' Line Group for the realization of being a business that enables a greater number of people around the world to enjoy the advantage of marine transportation characterized by a lower environmental load and higher efficiency by means of marine fuels such as LNG and LPG that are more environmentally friendly."