LNG trio forms global bunkering brand

The companies are set to begin ship-to-ship LNG bunkering from Zeebrugge port via a specially commissioned 5,000m3 barge in the fourth quarter of the year. Two vessels owned by the NYK/Walenius Lines joint venture United European Car Carriers will be the barge’s first customers.

The triumvirate has yet to announce a second project, but are exploring opportunities with shipping companies, port authorities, terminal operators and regulators. Engie and Mitsubishi Corp bring LNG supply expertise, with wide access to gas terminals, while NYK brings understanding of the shipping and bunker markets.

Philip Olivier, CEO of Engie Global LNG, said: “We are proud to launch this first global LNG bunkering service together with our long-standing partners. In the general framework of energy transition, we believe LNG has a key role to play in developing a more sustainable shipping activity.”

Jun Nishizawa, senior vice president and deputy chief operating officer of Mitsubishi Corp’s Natural Gas Business Division, added: “We are at the juncture of achieving substantial emissions reductions in the maritime sector. Through our partnership with ENGIE and NYK, we hope to expedite shipping companies’ transition to LNG by placing ourselves as a key piece in the global marine LNG supply chain.”

Hitoshi Nagasawa, senior managing corporate officer, NYK Line, said: “NYK is striving to find reliable and environmentally sustainable solutions to help address society’s need to reduce emissions. We believe that the use of LNG as a marine fuel is a key innovation in this search and through Gas4Sea, using the world’s first purpose-built LNG bunkering vessel, we and our partners ENGIE and Mitsubishi Corporation will offer ship owners and operators the opportunity to participate in this innovation and further enhance our industry’s ability to operate in a more environmentally responsible way.”