Japanese shipowner Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) has named the 174,000-cbm LNG carrier TOHO EMERALD at Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea, with delivery scheduled for October 2026.
The naming ceremony was held on 9 September 2026. The vessel is owned by T.K. LNG Shipping Pte. Ltd., a Singapore joint venture between K Line and Toho LNG Shipping Co., Ltd.
Toho LNG Shipping is the wholly owned shipping subsidiary of Japanese energy company Toho Gas Co., Ltd. TOHO EMERALD is expected to provide LNG transportation services, including LNG shipments for Toho Gas.
The vessel is about 290 m long and 45.8 m wide, with a capacity of 174,000 cubic metres of LNG and a speed of 19.5 knots. It is equipped with an ME-GA dual-fuel low-speed diesel main engine that uses LNG as its primary fuel.
The name TOHO EMERALD was chosen to represent future, foresight and stability. The name reflects the partners’ aim of supporting stable energy supplies and the continued development of the Toho Gas group.
K Line identified LNG shipping as a growth business in its medium-term management plan published on 9 May 2022. The company aims to stabilise earnings through long-term contracts while expanding its energy transportation business.
Established in 1919, K Line is a Japanese shipping and logistics group. As of 30 June 2026, the group operated 439 vessels, including 53 LNG carriers.
T.K. LNG Shipping was established in Singapore by K Line and Toho LNG Shipping to own LNG carriers and conduct LNG transportation.
