“K” Line orders bulk vessel for European arm
“K” Line orders bulk vessel for European arm
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) has ordered a capsize bulk-carrier from Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corp. for its European affiliate “K” Line (Europe) Ltd., with delivery scheduled for the first half of 2006.
The new 185,000 deadweight-ton capesize vessel will be 290 meters long and 47 meters wide.
“K” Line (Europe) opened its own bulk department in May 2002. It expects to operate a fleet of about 10 vessels under its own management by 2006.
In total, the “K” Line group says it plans to increase its bulk-carrier fleet from 40 to 60 vessels by the end of 2007, including a program for 21 newly built ships. The Japanese group aims to strengthen the business of marine transport of raw materials for steel manufacturers.
The bulk department of “K” Line (Europe) has also announced plans to long-term charter two more capesize and one smaller Panamax size vessel.