Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) has officially taken delivery of a state-of-the-art dual-fuel LNG-powered Capesize bulker, further cementing its position as a leader in Japan’s green shipping transition. The vessel, named SG Twilight, was built by Japan Marine United (JMU) at its Tsu Shipyard and handed over in early February 2025.
The SG Twilight is the second LNG-fueled Capesize bulker in NYK’s fleet, following the delivery of the SG Ocean in 2024. Both vessels were constructed under a long-term charter agreement with Singapore-based Shenergy Transport (HK) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Shenergy Group, and are intended for the transportation of iron ore and coal, primarily from Australia to East Asia.
Technical and Environmental Features
The 299-meter-long bulker has a beam of 50 meters and is equipped with a dual-fuel engine capable of operating on both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and conventional fuel oil. When powered by LNG, the vessel can reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 25%, virtually eliminate sulfur oxide (SOₓ) emissions, and significantly cut nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) emissions compared to conventional marine fuels.
The ship is fitted with an advanced shaft generator system that produces electricity from the main engine during operation, reducing reliance on auxiliary engines and lowering fuel consumption. NYK also noted that the design incorporates enhanced hull form optimization to improve hydrodynamic efficiency.
Role in Decarbonization Strategy
The delivery of SG Twilight aligns with NYK’s “NYK Group ESG Story 2023,” which outlines a roadmap for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2050. LNG-fueled ships are seen as a transitional solution in the company’s multi-fuel approach, which also includes the development of ammonia- and hydrogen-powered vessels in the coming decades.
“This addition represents another important step in our commitment to decarbonize bulk shipping,” NYK said in a statement. “Dual-fuel LNG technology enables immediate emissions reductions while paving the way for future low- and zero-carbon fuels.”
Industry Context
Japan’s shipbuilding industry has been increasingly focused on producing LNG-fueled bulkers in response to tightening environmental regulations under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) MARPOL Annex VI and the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) requirements. NYK’s fleet expansion reflects both regulatory compliance and growing demand from charterers seeking lower-carbon maritime transport solutions.
With the SG Twilight now in service, NYK has expanded its LNG-fueled fleet to more than 30 vessels, including car carriers, tankers, and bulk carriers. The company plans to continue investing in alternative fuel vessels as part of its broader environmental strategy, anticipating increased cargo owner demand for greener logistics solutions in the Asia-Pacific trade lanes.
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