Fri 16 Jan 2026, 06:20 GMT | Updated: Fri 16 Jan 2026, 06:25 GMT | Evangelia Fragouli

Imabari Shipbuilding delivers 7,000-unit LNG-fuelled car carrier


Japanese shipbuilder hands over vessel claiming 25-30% CO₂ reduction versus conventional heavy oil-fuelled ships.


Undine Highway vessel.
Imabari Shipbuilding's latest LNG-fuelled car carrier promises significant emissions reductions through dual-fuel technology and exhaust gas recirculation systems. Pictured: Undine Highway, a 7,000-unit LNG-fuelled car carrier. Image credit: Imabari Shipbuilding

Imabari Shipbuilding has completed delivery of Undine Highway, a 7,000-unit LNG-fuelled car carrier constructed at the company’s Marugame Business Headquarters in Japan.

The vessel was handed over on 14 January, the shipbuilder said.

According to Imabari Shipbuilding, the car carrier is equipped with a dual-fuel propulsion system enabling operation on LNG, delivering a reported 25–30% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared with conventionally fuelled heavy fuel oil vessels.

The ship is also fitted with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, which the yard said reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 80–90%, while sulphur oxide emissions are almost entirely eliminated when operating on LNG.

The design incorporates a boil-off gas (BOG) handling arrangement that allows gas generated from the LNG fuel tanks to be used in onboard generators and boilers, reducing the need for fuel disposal or venting.

Cargo operations are supported by a bulkheadless internal layout combined with wider, straighter ramps intended to simplify vehicle movements and improve loading efficiency. A liftable deck system enables deck heights to be adjusted, allowing the vessel to carry both passenger cars and higher vehicles such as trucks and trailers.

The Undine Highway has an overall length of 199.93 metres, a beam of 38.0 metres, and a depth of 38.76 metres. It has a deadweight of 18,652 tonnes and a gross tonnage of 77,650.

Propulsion is provided by a 6S60ME-C10.5-GI main engine, giving a service speed of approximately 18.25 knots. The vessel is classed by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai and is registered under the Panamanian flag.



Seaspan Lions (STS) LNG bunkering operation. Low-GHG methane could keep LNG-capable fleet compliant as regulations tighten, DNV paper argues  

Biomethane and e-methane offer a compliance pathway for LNG-capable ships, says DNV.

HaiSea Kermode and Valencia Knutsen vessel at sea. HaiSea's fleet of electric and dual-fuel tugboats completes 100th LNG carrier escort into Kitimat  

The Haisla Nation and Seaspan joint venture marks one year of LNG carrier escort operations in British Columbia.

Mount Vision naming ceremony. Naming ceremony held for LNG dual-fuel VLCC Mount Vision  

Crude oil tanker named in ceremony held in China.

Green Pearl and Cielo Ace ship-to-ship (STS) bio-LNG bunkering operation. MOL signs bio-LNG supply deals for car carriers across Northern Europe and Mediterranean  

Japanese shipping group expands bio-LNG bunkering to Spanish ports as part of its net-zero strategy.

Dan-Bunkering logo. Dan-Bunkering launches two-year trainee programme for aspiring marine fuel traders  

Bunker firm is recruiting trainees for an August 2026 start across its European offices.

Tower Bridge, London. Chevron hiring London-based marine fuels marketer with renewable fuels remit  

Applications open until 30 June for role involving the marketing of physical bunker fuels with a focus on Europe.

Burando Energies logo. Burando Energies seeks operator to support Rotterdam bunkering activities  

New hire will be responsible for planning, coordinating and monitoring operational activities across the firm's bunkering business.

Tommy Slette, Bart Vos and Koen Boerdijk. Corvus Energy to supply battery systems for two new Scylla Shipping river cruise vessels  

Norwegian battery supplier extends its partnership with Swiss river cruise operator Scylla Shipping.

Lucent Pathfinder vessel. NYK signs time-charter deal for two dual-fuel LPG-powered VLGCs  

Singapore subsidiary will provide gas carriers to carry Louisiana-produced ammonia to Japan.

Panos Mitrou and Yoshikazu Kondo. MOL wins LR technology award for wind-assisted propulsion on LNG carriers  

Lloyd’s Register honours Mitsui O.S.K. Lines for its Wind Challenger decarbonisation work.