Imabari Shipbuilding Delivers LNG-Powered Car Carrier Angelite Ace
Japan’s Imabari Shipbuilding has officially delivered a 7,000 CEU pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) to its owner.
The vessel, named Angelite Ace, was handed over at Imabari’s Tadotsu Shipyard on July 1. With a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 18,473, the Liberia-flagged PCTC measures 199.93 meters in overall length, 38 meters in breadth, and 38.76 meters in depth.
Compared to ships running on conventional heavy fuel oil, Angelite Ace is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other pollutants.
LNG-Powered Emissions Reductions
Thanks to its LNG propulsion system, the vessel is projected to cut:
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 25–30%
- Sulfur oxides (SOx) by nearly 100%
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 80–90%
These reductions are made possible by the combined use of LNG and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. Additionally, the vessel is equipped to utilize boil-off gas (BOG) generated from the natural evaporation of LNG during storage. This gas is used in both generator and boiler systems, further enhancing environmental performance.
Strong Year for Imabari Shipbuilding Despite Market Challenges
Despite a slight decline in construction volume and new orders, Japan’s shipbuilders—Imabari included—have had a productive year. Imabari started strong with six vessel handovers in January and continued deliveries through June.
Notable deliveries include:
- Triton Highway, an LNG-powered car carrier for Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line)
- Maersk Namsos, an eco-friendly boxship for A.P. Møller – Maersk
- ONE Sapphire, a future-proof container vessel for Ocean Network Express (ONE)
Strategic Move to Strengthen Japan’s Shipbuilding Industry
In related company developments, Imabari Shipbuilding recently signed an agreement with JFE Steel Corporation and IHI Corporation to acquire part of their shares in Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU). According to all parties, the move aims to reinforce collaboration in Japan’s shipbuilding sector—particularly critical in the face of heightened global geopolitical uncertainty.
