Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd (K Line) has contracted China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. to build four LNG dual-fuel Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs), each with a capacity of 1,380 vehicles. The vessels are commissioned for K Line's wholly owned subsidiary, K Line European Sea Highway Services GmbH (KESS), which operates finished vehicle transport in European short-sea trades. The smaller-sized carriers are designed to address port infrastructure constraints across Europe and meet growing demand for vehicle logistics. The ships will feature Ice Class 1A notation to enable Nordic route operations, enhancing KESS's competitive position. Beyond vehicle transport, the vessels will also carry construction machinery and other heavy cargoes. The LNG dual-fuel specification aligns with K Line's decarbonisation strategy, with plans to incorporate bio-LNG in the future.