27 February 2025 – Under Zero-Emission Accelerating Ship Finance (the Program), which is jointly operated by Development Bank of Japan Inc. (DBJ) and ClassNK, ClassNK evaluated the LNG-fueled car carrier ‘OCEANUS HIGHWAY’ (IMO No. 1046049), owned by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE). DBJ provided financing to “K” LINE.
In the shipping industry, where environmental regulations are becoming stricter as the industry moves towards decarbonization, ClassNK evaluates ships based on a comprehensive scoring model jointly developed with DBJ from the perspective of ‘decarbonization, environmentally friendly performance, and innovativeness,’ and DBJ provides investment and financing. The project supports initiatives that contribute to the transition to decarbonization from both IR and financial perspectives.
“K” LINE is actively promoting various initiatives to support the social transition to low- and zero-carbon under its “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 policy. Recently, the company has been focusing on the development of the next-generation fuel ships to realize sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation. OCEANUS HIGHWAY, built by Shin Kurushima Toyohashi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., was delivered in February 2025. It is designed to reduce environmental impact utilizing LNG fuel.
The following points were highly evaluated in this assessment of the ship:
(1) The use of LNG fuel makes a 25% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions possible compared to conventional fuel oil.
(2) Reduction in the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter (PM) through the use of LNG fuel complies with the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s NOx Tier III regulations and SOx regulations.
The ship was given an ‘A’ rating as a ‘ship with high decarbonization, environmentally friendly performance, and innovativeness,’ recognizing that adequate environment-related investments have been made.
Through the expansion of the Program, DBJ and ClassNK will support shipping and shipbuilding companies’ efforts to contribute to the transition toward decarbonization and work together to accelerate the transition toward decarbonization in the entire maritime industry.
(Ship Particulars)
| Ship Name | OCEANUS HIGHWAY（IMO 1046049） |
| Ship Type | Car carrier |
| Maximum Car Capacity | 6,900 units |
| Shipbuilder | Shin Kurushima Toyohashi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. |
About DBJ
DBJ actively supports clients’ efforts to realize sustainable management and revitalize regional economies in accordance with our corporate philosophy, ‘Design the future with financial expertise: Continue to expand financial frontiers; Provide the best solutions for customers and society; Pursue sustainable development for Japan and the world.’ Under its Fifth Medium-Term Management Plan (see the post ‘About the Fifth Medium-Term Management Plan’ dated May 20, 2021), DBJ is also promoting its GRIT Strategy,* aimed at fostering a sustainable society through investments and loans. DBJ will continue to contribute to sustainable societies and regional revitalization.
* GRIT Strategy: ‘G’ is for ‘Green’—Initiatives to become carbon neutral with established technologies; ‘R’ is for ‘Resilience & Recovery’—Building of flexible yet strong industrial foundations as well as safe and secure regions and society; ‘I’ is for ‘Innovation’—Initiatives for innovations that are commercially feasible from a long-term perspective; and ‘T’ is for ‘Transition/Transformation’—Strategic initiatives to steadily lead transition toward carbon neutrality and other goals, based on current business fundamentals.
About ClassNK
ClassNK is an international classification society dedicated to ensuring maritime safety and protecting the marine environment. A classification society is an organization that establishes rules and carries out surveys of vessels from a neutral, third-party standpoint, registering a ‘class’ that is essential for commercial ships to obtain insurance coverage.
With over 120 years of history and a network of 130 offices in 58 countries, ClassNK is authorized by the flag administrations of more than 100 countries to conduct surveys and issue certificates based on international conventions and regional regulations.
Leveraging its many years of knowledge and experience, ClassNK is expanding its certification area to various management systems including quality, environment, and occupational safety and health, as well as verification of GHG emissions and certification related to renewable energy facilities.
ClassNK also provides the ‘ClassNK Transition Support Services,’ a comprehensive program to assist the maritime industry in transitioning to decarbonized fuels, supporting clients’ decarbonization efforts from every angle.
