K Line, Anglo American collaborate on decarbonization research

From left, Peter Lye, Anglo American’s head of shipping, and Masatoshi Taguchi, K Line’s managing executive officer (Photo: K Line)

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. (K Line) announced March 6 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Anglo American regarding the establishment of a working committee for collaborative research on decarbonization.

K Line has been engaged in the seaborne transportation of raw materials for Anglo American.

Anglo American and K Line have agreed to collaborate through the sharing of research and ideas and the utilization of both parties’ knowledge of new marine technology, alternative fuels and other fields that have the potential to grow in the near future to achieve their common goal of net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions.

Anglo American is a leading, global mining company with a portfolio of competitive, world-class operations and a broad range of future development options.

In K Line’s medium-term management plan published last May, K Line defined the marine-transportation business using coal and iron ore carriers as one of its top-priority areas driving growth.

In February, K Line announced that it has conducted the trial use of B24 marine biofuel comprising 24 percent fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) blended with very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO).

The fuel was supplied by BP to the capesize bulker Cape Tsubaki with the cooperation of the charterer, JFE Steel Corp.

The vessel carried iron ore from Brazil to Japan.

K Line said it will continuously strive to enhance its corporate value by contributing to the sustainable development of society and the global environment with active collaboration on decarbonization through the development of partnerships with customers.