SEA-LNG strengthens its port knowledge with the accession of the Japanese ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki who lend their support for LNG as a marine fuel.
Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP) brings essential knowledge from a port’s perspective to multi-sector i[ds_preview]ndustry coalition SEA-LNG, which is working collaboratively with key players across the entire LNG value chain.
SEA-LNG chairman and executive vice president of TOTE, Peter Keller said: »Ports around the world are taking LNG seriously. As customers begin to adopt LNG as a viable, scalable solution, ports are recognising that it’s an essential part of a strong future fuel offering. Representing the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki, YKIP is well placed to share its learnings in relation to infrastructure development, effective port operations, and customer needs, and we know that the coalition will benefit from its perspective on unlocking the potential for LNG as a marine fuel.«
Japan well placed to become a major LNG bunkering hub
Designated by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) as the official operating company for the Keihin ports serving Yokohama and Kawasaki, YKIP is tasked with the management of integrated operations at container terminals in the Yokohama and Kawasaki area.
Japan is the world’s biggest importer of LNG, with 35 regasification terminals. In 2016, it accounted for about 34% of global imports, representing some 86 mill. t of LNG. As such, Japan, is well placed in terms of both infrastructure and supply to become a major LNG bunkering hub.
Mr. Masamichi Morooka, President and CEO of YKIP said: »From a geographical perspective, the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki are perfectly placed to serve as the first or last bunkering points on the Asian side of the Trans-Pacific route. Since August 2015, the port of Yokohama has accommodated an LNG-fuelled tugboat, NYK-owned Sakigake, which has provided us with LNG bunkering experience and enabled YKIP to develop its understanding of technical improvements and safety management.«
Growing recognition of LNG
YKIP is the second Japanese organisation to join the SEA-LNG coalition in a matter of weeks, following the recently announced addition of Marubeni Corporation. This takes the latest membership tally to 26 and highlights the industry’s growing recognition of LNG as a cost effective, safe, and more environmentally friendly long-term fuelling solution.
The accession of YKIP comes after the Japanese Ministry had conducted a feasibility study on the prospects of Japanese ports as LNG bunkering locations.
