First Japanese LNG bunker vessel launched

Japan’s first LNG bunker vessel is being built to serve LNG-powered ships visiting the country’s central, Chubu region around Nagoya and Ise Bay. The 4,100 gt, 81.7-metre long vessel will have a 3,500 cubic metre capacity for LNG.

After the delivery, the LBV will be based at JERA’s Kawagoe Thermal Power Station and commence ship-to-ship LNG bunkering business for LNG-fuelled vessels.The four founders of the CLS consortium (K Line, Chubu Electric, Toyota Tsusho and NYK Line) are also working to establish an LNG fuel supply network in Japan’s central Chubu region.

Meanwhile, work on a second 4,100 cbm bunker vessel under construction at Japan Marine United is proceeding. The vessel is understood to on track to enter operation in Tokyo Bay by Q1 2021.