NYK continues fleet modernization with “Luna Pathfinder”

August 8, 2025

With the christening of the “Luna Pathfinder”, Japan’s shipping giant NYK Group continues the modernization of its LPG tanker fleet.

The newbuild was officially named on Tuesday at Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ Sakaide Shipyard. It marks the sixth Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) with dual-fuel propulsion that the company has taken delivery of as part of a series.

Measuring approximately 230 meters in length, the vessel will be chartered to Astomos Energy Corporation upon delivery and deployed for the global transport of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). In addition to LPG, the “Luna Pathfinder” is also capable of carrying ammonia.

The name is meant to highlight the vessel’s contribution to decarbonization efforts: “Pathfinder” stands for trailblazer, while “Luna” symbolizes calm and safe voyages.

“Luna Pathfinder” also runs on LPG

Technically, the ship is equipped with a dual-fuel engine capable of running on both LPG and heavy fuel oil. During voyages, the main engine’s rotational power is also used to generate electricity, allowing the diesel generators to remain idle. According to the operator, switching to LPG can reduce sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions by more than 95% and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 20% compared to heavy fuel oil.

The naming ceremony was attended by around 50 guests, including representatives from Kawasaki Heavy Industries, NYK, and Astomos Energy. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was performed by the wife of Astomos Vice President Toshinobu Sato.