NYK: “KEYS Azalea” completes first STS LNG bunkering op for cruise ship in Japan

NYK Line on Tuesday (15 July) said KEYS Azalea, a LNG bunkering vessel owned and operated by KEYS Bunkering West Japan (KEYS), bunkered LNG for cruise ship ASUKA III by ship-to-ship at Chuo Wharf in Hakata port on 14 July. 

Until now, KEYS Azalea has supplied LNG bunker fuel to car carriers and iron ore and coal bulk carriers and the latest milestone marked the first bunkering of cruise ships for KEYS Azalea and in Japan.

“KEYS will continue to provide safe and stable LNG bunkering and contribute to forming a carbon-neutral society and developing the LNG bunkering business in Japan,” it said. 

KEYS is a joint venture between Kyushu Electric Power, NYK Line, ITOCHU ENEX and Saibu Gas. 

Manifold Times previously reported a ceremony for KEYS Azalea was held at the Yamatomachi Shipyard of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding in Yamaguchi Prefecture to mark the vessel’s delivery. 

KEYS Azalea provides domestic coastal distribution of LNG to consumers in the Kyushu and Setouchi areas and LNG bunkering for oceangoing vessels calling ports in the region. 

The ship is Japan’s first LNG bunkering project to supply LNG to vessels in this vast area.

Photo credit: NYK Line
Published: 16 July 2025