Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kyushu Electric Power, Saibu Gas and Chugoku Electric Power to explore the possibility of creating a new bunker dedicated to supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The proposed bunkering line will service ships in the Setouchi and Kyushu areas of western Japan, and is another example of LNG’s importance to the maritime sector, especially given the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) introduction of a 0.5% cap on sulphur from 2020.
Simon Bennett overviews the IMO greenhouse gas strategy for a sustainable future in a recent Port Technology technical paper
A joint statement from NYK and the three companies stated: “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.
“Therefore, NYK and the three companies have decided to examine the commercialization of an LNG bunkering business in the Setouchi and Kyushu areas of western Japan.”
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