The Port Authorities have implemented the vessel speed reduction programs asking vessels to comply with the speed limit of 12 knots within the designated coastal sea area in order to reduce emissionsof exhaust gas when arriving to or sailing from the ports.
“K” Line is commended for their voluntary participation in both programs as a shipping company whose vessels call at both ports. We were awarded by these programsas one of the top performers, based on our total of 170 ships, representing 323 qualifying legs within 40 nautical miles (about 74 kilometers) during 2014 in both ports.
This year, we were awarded the “Vessel Speed Reduction Program” from the Port of Los Angeles for the 10th consecutive year, and “Green Flag Program” from the Port of Long Beach the for the 7th consecutive year, both since the Programs commencement.
The “K” Line Group is making every possible effort to successfully implement its own environmental program, as well as cooperate with any other environmental preservation objectives being introduced by other parties, and will continue to actively contribute to protection of the global environment.

Regulation which is to control NOx ( Nitrogen Oxide) discharged from ship becomes gradually severe around the world, so IMO ( International Maritime Organization) is going to tighten regulation significantly about new ships after 2016.
“ K”Line have installed diesel generators which is equipped with SCR to new container ship which have started service since March 2013 in collaboration with JMU and Daihatsu. (※1:SCR)
We have assessed new type of diesel generators for 1.5 year, so we confirmed that these are absolutely available at normal operation.
SCR is a technology which transforms NOx of exhaust gas into N2 gas and water. This exhaust gas is mixed Urea-aqueous beforehand, It joins ammonia hydrolyzed by heat of the exhaust gas and NOx together and converts it to nitrogen gas (N₂) and water (H₂O)
“ K”Line tries operational testing of EGR in collaboration with JMU and Kawasaki heavy industry as well. (※2:EGR)
EGR is technology which is lowering the combustion temperature by reusing a part of the exhaust gas for a combustion air. We can control NOx by lowering combustion temperature.
We will install EGR to DRIVE GREENHIGHWAY which will start service since January 2016.
We are not only clear merely regulation, but also aim at the hull maintenance that is kind to the earth without the air pollution, we plan development and the practical use of the new technology in collaboration with marine engine manufacturer and a shipyard.

“K” Line has launched “DRIVE GREEN PROJECT” in order to pursue environmental protection and energy savings with the world’s most advanced technologies to be integrated on the 7,500-unit Car Carrier on order with Japan Marine United Corporation as Flag ship of this project.

DRIVE GREEN PROJECT (OVERVIEW）

DRIVE GREEN PROJECT (MOVIE）

"K" Line exerts leadership in protection of the global environment, takes a variety of environmental measures in ship operation, including development of environmentally-friendly technologies and ships. We are now attempting conversion to a ship propulsion method that will enable substantial reductions in greenhouse gases in exhaust and environmentally destructive substances. This involves the development of ships that use as fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG), considered a clean energy source. Although the construction of an onshore infrastructure to supply LNG fuel is an issue, we have nearly completed basic technical studies for the development of ships powered by LNG.

LNG-Powered Vessel Development Project(2MB)