KEYS Bunkering West Japan names and launches LNG bunkering vessel “KEYS Azalea”
- Published
by Admin
KEYS Bunkering West Japan Corporation (KEYS), a joint venture established by Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc., NYK Line, ITOCHU ENEX CO.,LTD., and Saibu Gas Co., Ltd. on Wednesday (12 July) held a ceremony to name and launch an LNG bunkering vessel.
The vessel is under construction at Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works’ Enoura Plant owned by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
KEYS welcomed guests from the parties as well as Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Japan Coast Guard, and the cities of Kitakyushu and Shimonoseki, among others.
The vessel was named KEYS Azalea after the azalea, the official flower of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture, where KEYS is based.
After delivery in March 2024, the vessel will participate in the LNG coastal transportation business, in addition to LNG bunkering for oceangoing vessels calling at ports in the Kyushu-Setouchi area. This will be Japan’s first LNG bunkering project to supply LNG to vessels over the vast Kyushu and Setouchi area.
KEYS Azalea will be Japan’s first LNG bunkering vessel to be equipped with a dual-fuel engine that can operate on both LNG and fuel oil.
It is expected to virtually eliminate sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions and reducing approximately 80% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, as well as 30% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Vessel Particulars
Name: KEYS Azalea
LOA: 82.4 metres
Beam: 18.2 metres
Draft: 4.8 metres
Gross Tonnage: about 4,850 tonnes
LNG Loadable Capacity: 3,500 cubic metres
Driving Power: Electricity (dual-fuel engine (consuming LNG or fuel oil))
Delivery: March 2024
Builder: Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Photo credit: NYK Line
Published: 13 July, 2023
