First LNG Bunkering Vessel on Order

GDF SUEZ, Mitsubishi Corporation and NYK (Korea) have formed a joint venture that aims to establish a company to own a new LNG bunkering vessel, as well as an LNG fuel sales company. In the future, the joint venture aims to expand its business globally. In Northern Europe, about 50 LNG vessels—most of which are ferries, cruise ships and offshore related vessels—are already in operation. Toward meeting international efforts to control emissions from ships, LNG vessels are widely seen as an important counter- measure for reducing harmful emissions and mitigating environmental impact. To support the increasing number of LNG-fueled vessels in operation, the challenge is to develop and improve the supply infrastructure. LNG bunkering vessels can access and supply a variety of customers across a wide maritime area, and the companies say that they can do so more quickly and efficiently than LNG supply facilities on land. The NYK Group has been promoting practical use of LNG fuel by constructing the world’s first LNG-fueled car carriers and Japan’s first LNG-fueled tugboat. The new LNG bunkering vessel is part of the Group’s new “More Than Shipping 2018” medium-term management plan.