Japan’s first LNG-fuelled vessel to be built by NYK

The company says that, outside the field of gas carriers, this will be the first vessel to be built in Japan with capability to run on LNG as fuel. It is part of NYK’s plans for sustainable environmental maritime technology, which includes such initiatives as solar power and air-lubrication systems. Since 2011 NYK says it has been investigating the use of alternatives to HFO, including LNG as fuel, in cooperation with Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) and others, based on the results of a survey conducted by the Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency. The company says that using LNG as a fuel will cut the tug’s emissions of CO₂ by about 30%, NOx by about 80%, and SOx by 100% compared to using heavy oil.

The project will be part financed by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Tokyo Gas Co will supply the LNG, and with the support of Tokyo Gas, NYK will make arrangements for a safe LNG supply system.