JMU to build LNG bunker vessel for Tokyo Bay

Ecobunker Shipping was established in November 2018 as a joint venture to develop ship-to-ship LNG bunkering in East Japan between Uyeno Transtech, Sumitomo Corporation and Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation.

The bunker vessel construction project is being partially underwritten by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism.

The hull design and construction will be undertaken by Fukuoka Shipbuilding, while LNG tank fabrication including the LNG cargo handling system will be managed by Atlantic, Gulf & Pacific Company.

The vessel features an SPB type LNG tank. The SPB LNG containment system was originally developed by JMU, in conjunction with IHI.

The vessel will be 95.57 metres long, 15.8 metres wide, with a gross tonnage of 4,100 tonnes, and a tank capacity of 2,500 cbm. The bunkering vessel will initially be able to provide LNG and low sulphur fuel oil, although the second tank will be converted to LNG as demand increases.