Kumiai Navigation, a Japanese shipowner based in Singapore, has secured financing from the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) for its LPG dual-fuel carrier, CRYSTAL ODYSSEY, under the Zero-Emission Accelerating Ship Finance programme. The initiative, jointly operated by DBJ and ClassNK, aims to support the maritime industry’s transition to decarbonisation by evaluating ships on their environmental performance and innovation.
The CRYSTAL ODYSSEY, built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, is designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 15% compared to conventional fuel oil. It is also equipped to use ammonia fuel in the future, making it an ‘ammonia-fuel-ready ship’. The vessel’s compliance with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Tier III NOx and SOx regulations is ensured through the installation of an exhaust gas recirculation system and a selective catalytic reduction system.
ClassNK’s evaluation awarded the vessel an ‘S’ rating, the highest in the programme, recognising its exceptional decarbonisation and environmental performance. This rating acknowledges the significant investments made by Kumiai Navigation in environmentally friendly technologies.
The programme’s expansion is part of DBJ and ClassNK’s broader efforts to accelerate the maritime industry’s shift towards sustainable practices. By providing financial and evaluative support, they aim to facilitate the adoption of low- and zero-emission technologies across the sector.
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