Representing a new stage in the adoption of LNG as a transition fuel for deep-sea shipping, the world’s first Panamax or neo-Panamax coal carriers powered by LNG dual-fuel engines have entered service in the Japanese import trade.

Built to Japanese account at domestic yards to similar dimensions and cargo capacities, the 95,233dwt Shoyo was delivered on October 2, followed in mid-November by the 95,792dwt Reimei. Chartered in each case by Kyushu Electric Power Co, the 235m bulkers will be employed transporting coal to thermal power stations on Kyushu, the southwesternmost of Japan’s main islands.

Shoyo was constructed to the account of NYK Line by Oshima Shipbuilding at its Koyagi plant in Nagasaki, formerly owned by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, while Reimei has augmented the fleet controlled by the Mitsui SK Lines (MOL) Group after completion by Namura Zosensho’s Imari yard. Both shipbuilders are among the most productive worldwide in the bulker category.