Japex Plans LNG Bunkering at Hokkaido

Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. (Japex) February 26 said it is will be working with Tomakomai Port Management Association to start LNG bunkering operations at Hokkaido.

Tomakomai Port has been designated by the government as an international hub port and is northern Japan’s port connected to North America, China and South Korea, as well as to the domestic shipping routes.

Japanex said it will set up a study group with the Tomakomai Port Authority by end-February to study the feasibility of the project. The group will be led by Japex and include local government officials as well as companies such as Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL). The group plans to meet six time over the next one year and will then file a feasibility report, Japex said.