Japanese cos ink LNG bunkering MoU

Japanese companies Itochu Enex, Kyushu Electric Power Co., Saibu Gas Co., and NYK Line signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the supply of LNG as a marine fuel to ships in the Setouchi and Kyushu areas of western Japan, they said on September 29 in a joint statement.

The companies have decided to examine the commercialisation of an LNG bunkering business including marketing activities to consumers such as Kyushu Electric for its LNG-fuelled coal carriers, which are scheduled to be delivered in 2023, as well as the construction and owning of LNG vessels required for ship-to-ship supply.

“LNG fuel as a marine fuel is expected to be a bridging solution to next-generation zero-emission fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia,” they said.

The International Maritime Organisation has agreed on an ambition to reduce GHG emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 and to zero as early as possible.