A joint venture named KEYS Bunkering West Japan Corporation (KEYS), created by Kyushu Electric Power, NYK Line, Itochu Enex and Saibu Gas, has launched what is claimed as Japan’s first dual-fuel LNG bunkering vessel.
The 82.4m LNG bunkering vessel – called KEYS Azalea – was built by Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works’ Enoura Plant owned by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. NYK claims it is the first LNG bunkering vessel in the country to be fitted with a dual-fuel engine capable of operating on LNG and fuel oil.
When using LNG for fuel during operations, the vessel will emit almost zero SOX emissions, while reducing NOX emissions by 80% and CO2 emissions by 30%.
The vessel is scheduled for delivery in March 2024, and on entering service will operate within the LNG coastal transportation business, in addition to providing LNG bunkering for oceangoing vessels calling at ports in the Kyushu-Setouchi area. According to NYK, the KEYS Azalea will be Japan’s first LNG bunkering project to supply LNG to vessels in the area.
To further the company’s decarbonization efforts, NYK also recently signed a five-year strategic partnership agreement with the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation.
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