Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with three energy firms on the commercialisation of a new business to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel to ships in the Setouchi and Kyushu areas of western Japan.
The joint discussions were started with Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc., Saibu Gas Co., Ltd., and Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc.
“The demand for LNG as a marine fuel, a practical alternative to heavy fuel oil because of its relatively low emission of air polluting substances and greenhouse gases, is expected to increase after a global 0.5% sulphur cap is introduced in 2020,” it explains.
“Therefore, NYK and the three companies have decided to examine the commercialisation of an LNG bunkering business in the Setouchi and Kyushu areas of western Japan.”
In May, NYK and a group of companies formed LNG bunkering firm Central LNG Shipping Japan Corporation (CLS), and LNG bunker tanker owning entity Central LNG Shipping Japan Corporation.
CLS placed an order with Kawasaki Heavy Industries for Japan’s first LNG bunkering vessel in early July.
Related: Japan: First LNG bunkering vessel ordered, to start ops in 2020
Related: Central LNG Marine Fuel Japan Corporation launched
Related: Japanese shipping, energy firms mull LNG bunkering business
Published: 3 August, 2018
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