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Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. has delivered the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier Crystal River to Astomos Energy Corporation.

The vessel was delivered on July 14 (following a naming ceremony held on July 6) and incorporates Kawasaki's SEA-Arrow bow shape which, according to the Japanese manufacturer, "significantly improves propulsion performance by minimizing bow wave resistance".

The main engine powering the vessel, the Kawasaki-MAN B&W 7S60ME-C8.2, is an electronically-controlled, ultra-long-stroke, two-stroke low-speed diesel engine that is said to be energy efficient.

Additionally, the Kawasaki rudder bulb system with fins (RBS-F) and the semi-duct system with contra fins (SDS-F) have been added to the ship to reduce bunker consumption.

The 54,171 deadweight tonnage (dwt) vessel is designed to be fully compliant with the New Panamax requirements and is able to navigate the newly expanded Panama Canal, which was completed in June 2016.

Last month, Bunker Index reported that Astomos and Statoil had signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) to look into projects related to the use of LPG as a marine fuel.

The MoU is designed to enhance further cooperation between Astomos and Statoil where both firms will be sharing information and performing research into jointly collaborating in initiatives related to LPG bunkering - including LPG-fuelled vessels and the development of global supply sites for the supply of LPG as a fuel to ships.

Tokyo-headquartered Astomos operates more than 20 LPG vessels and is involved in LPG trading, import and distribution. It is jointly owned by Idemitsu Kosan (51 percent) and Mitsubishi Corporation (49 percent).

Vessel details: Crystal River

Length overall: 229.90 m
Length between perpendiculars: 226.00 m
Molded breadth: 37.20 m
Molded depth: 21.00 m
Molded draft: 11.20 m
Gross tonnage: 46,793 t
Deadweight tonnage: 54,171 t
Hold capacity: 82,423 cbm
Main engine: One set of Kawasaki-MAN B&W 7S60ME-C8.2 diesel engine
Complement: 35 people
Classification: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Country of registration: Panama