Prolific gas tanker builder Kawasaki Heavy Industries has delivered a new iteration of its proven, very large LPG carrier design with increased cargo capacity and engineered for powering on LPG or potentially also ammonia.

The 230m Axis River offers a loading volume of 86,900m³ within the same main dimensions as the preceding 84,000m³ series, plus extra trading scope through the capability to transport ammonia. Moreover, the MAN propulsion machinery enables operation on LPG while ClassNK has approved the provision in the ship’s overall design for future modification to allow the use of ammonia as fuel.

KHI’s experience in the specific field of construction is second-to-none, as the Axis River represents its 71^st LPGC completion to date, eight of which can run on LPG drawn from the cargo itself. As well as achieving full compliance with sulphur emission regulations, obviating the need for secondary treatment, operating on LPG results in up to 18% lower CO² emissions. The ship meets phase 3 criteria of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI).