August 26, 2014

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.

 

First ABS-classed Japanese Flagged Vessel

 

 

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) is proud to announce that our ABS(*1)-classed VLCC “YAMATOGAWA” has become a pioneer in worldwide shipping as the first ABS-classed Japanese-flagged vessel.

 

“YAMATOWAGA” has been engaged in the transportation of crude oil to Japan since her initial delivery in December 2006, but previously flying a foreign flag. “K” Line has been pursuing a change in the flag of “YAMATOGAWA” from foreign to Japanese, working together with the government of Japan (Maritime Bureau of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)), ABS, and other concerned parties, in order to meet our own corporate strategy to increase Japanese-flagged vessels owned or operated by us, which is compliant with our government’s political agenda for the deliberate increase of Japanese-flagged vessels. The flagging back of “YAMATOGAWA” has been achieved and enabled by ABS’s authorization and registration as a Recognized Organization by MLIT on December 21, 2012, to provide statutory certification services to Japanese-flagged vessels. “YAMATOGAWA” is the first Japanese-flagged vessel classed by ABS, and the first Japanese-flagged vessel among the vessels classed to all foreign classification societies granted authorization by MLIT to serve as a Recognized Organization (*2).

 

“K” Line maintains an affirmative position on acquisition of more Japanese-flagged vessels by making use of various newly-available options, thereby sustaining our Company’s contribution toward more stable international sea-borne transportation as well as reinforcing our corporate commitment to meet customer needs.

 

<Specifications of “YAMATOGAWA”>
Builder:            Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation, Sakaide Works
(Currently:       Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Limited, Sakaide Works)
Delivery:          December 28, 2006
Crew:              Japanese, Filipino
LOA:                    333.00m         Width: 60.00m                  Depth: 29.00m
Dead weight:     302,488mt      Gross ton: 160,134mt       Draft: 20.443m


*1: ABS (American Bureau of Shipping)
Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification society devoted to promoting the security of life, property and the marine environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities including ships and offshore structures.

 

*2: Foreign classification societies that are granted authorization by MLIT to serve as a Recognized Organization for Japanese-flagged vessels are as follows: Lloyds Register (UK), DNV GL (Norway, Germany), and ABS (US)