Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has delivered what it describes as the world’s first LNG dual-fuelled Kamsarmax bulk carrier from its Tsuneishi Factory in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, on 31 March 2026.

The vessel is fitted with a dual-fuelled engine able to use LNG as its primary fuel. According to the company, this is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions compared with conventional heavy fuel oil, while also significantly cutting sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Tsuneishi said the ship achieves more than a 50% reduction in the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) relative to the reference line through an optimised hull form and the use of energy-saving technologies, including a shaft generator. That is above the Phase 3 requirement of a 30% reduction applicable from 2025.

A key feature of the vessel is the LNG fuel tank mounted on the aft deck, which uses an independent Type-C pressure tank design. Tsuneishi said the tank was manufactured in-house, drawing on capabilities such as precision fabrication of specialised materials, high-quality welding, and thermal insulation suitable for cryogenic conditions.

Before this project, the company had already begun building in-house fuel tank manufacturing expertise for future dual-fuelled ships through the production of pressure-type tanks for LPG carriers. According to Tsuneishi, the know-how developed through that work was applied to the LNG tank installed on this vessel.

The company added that the low-temperature and pressure-handling technologies developed through LNG tank production are also expected to support future fuel tank solutions, including those for ammonia, as the industry moves towards zero-emission vessels.

Sachio Okumura, President & Chief Executive Officer of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. commented: “The pressure vessel manufacturing technologies and quality control expertise cultivated through the in-house production of LPG tanks have been successfully applied to the LNG fuel tank of this vessel. LNG requires handling under cryogenic conditions, demanding advanced capabilities in material selection, fabrication, welding, and thermal insulation. We believe that continuously strengthening these low-temperature and pressure-handling technologies within the company will provide an essential foundation for responding to future fuels such as ammonia and ultimately contribute to the realisation of zero-emission vessels.”