Osaka Gas on Monday (21 April) said it has launched its shore-to-ship LNG bunkering service, becoming the first gas utility company in Japan to offer liquefied natural gas (LNG) at its terminal to vessels.

The first delivery took place today at Osaka Gas’ Senboku LNG Terminal in Takaishi City, Osaka Prefecture, where LNG was supplied to Verde Heraldo, a bulker operated by Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL). 

Manifold Times previously reported that the bulker will sail under long-term transport contracts to supply raw materials for JFE Steel Corporation's mills. 

With the launch of the shore-to-ship service, in addition to its existing truck-to-ship LNG bunkering service—operational since 2019—Osaka Gas enhances its LNG fuel delivery capabilities to address the current scarcity of facilities in Japan that can supply LNG to vessels. 

The company’s future plans include the introduction of a ship-to-ship LNG bunkering service utilising a dedicated LNG bunkering vessel, scheduled to commence in fiscal 2026.

These supply methods aim to provide a stable and flexible LNG fuel supply to an increasing number of LNG-fuelled vessels as the maritime industry transitions away from heavy fuel oil.

This growth in LNG-fuelled vessels is driven by global decarbonisation trends and the International Maritime Organization’s target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Through its LNG bunkering services, Osaka Gas is well-positioned to contribute to maritime industry sustainability.

In addition to expanding LNG fuel supply to vessels, Osaka Gas is exploring the potential of replacing LNG with e-methane as a marine fuel. 

Related: New MOL vessel to be supplied LNG bunker fuel in Japan before voyage to Australia

Photo credit: Osaka Gas
Published: 23 April, 2025

Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) on Friday (18 April) said the naming and delivery ceremony for the LNG-fuelled Capesize bulker, which MOL ordered for JFE Steel Corporation, was held at the Saijo Shipyard of Imabari Shipbuilding. 

The vessel was named the Verde Heraldo, which means “Green Pioneer” in Spanish, by JFE Steel President and CEO Masayuki Hirose. MOL executives including President & CEO Hashimoto were also on hand for the ceremony.

After departing from Saijo Shipyard, LNG fuel will be supplied directly to the vessel through shore-to-ship bunkering at the Senboku Terminal of Osaka Gas, and is then scheduled to sail for Australia.

The Verde Heraldo will sail under long-term transport contracts to supply raw materials for JFE Steel's mills, providing both reduced environmental impact and safe and reliable marine transport services.

About Verde Heraldo

LOA: 299.99 m
Breadth: 50.00 m
Draft: 18.436 m
Deadweight tonnage: 210,321 tonnes
Shipyards: Imabari Shipbuilding and Nihon Shipyard 

Photo credit: Mitsui OSK Lines
Published: 22 April, 2025

Netherlands-based Hakkers Waterbouw recently said it will be partnering with Ballast Nedam Infra for the construction of a large sea jetty as part of a new LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel, Germany. 

The jetty will be equipped to receive ships up to 267,000 m³. In addition to the main berth, a smaller berth will also be built for LNG bunker vessels and barges. The jetty offers an unloading capacity of 14,000 m³ per hour and a loading capacity of 3,000 m³ per hour. 

“The development of the LNG terminal and sea jetty fits in with the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in Europe,” Hakkers said on its website. 

“The project contributes to the European energy transition and to a safe, reliable energy supply for the future. With this collaboration, Ballast Nedam Infra and Hakkers Waterbouw are taking an important step in the realisation of sustainable infrastructure and further European collaboration.”

The order was placed on behalf of German LNG and will be executed as a subcontractor to main contractor CS Gas North. This is a collaboration between the Spanish companies Cobra and Sener. 

Construction of the sea jetty will start in the summer of 2025 and is expected to be completed in early 2027.

Richard Majoor, director at Ballast Nedam Infra, said: “In combination with Hakkers and CS Gas North, we want to build a proactive and efficient collaboration.

“Ballast Nedam and Hakkers complement each other well: Ballast Nedam has extensive experience in project management for complex construction projects, while Hakkers, as a specialist in hydraulic engineering and steel construction, adds substantive value.”

Hein van Laar, commercial director at Hakkers Waterbouw, added: “As a specialist in heavy hydraulic engineering piling and steel construction, we are particularly proud to realise this project. We see that we can really add something in Germany with our expertise.”

Photo credit: Hakkers Waterbouw
Published: 21 April, 2025