Japan completed its first-ever LNG bunkering operation for a cruise ship on July 14, when KEYS Azalea supplied LNG fuel to ASUKA III at Chuo Wharf in Hakata Port using the ship-to-ship method.

The LNG bunkering vessel KEYS Azalea is owned and operated by KEYS Bunkering West Japan Ltd., a company based in Kitakyushu City. Until now, the vessel had only carried out LNG fuel supply for car carriers and bulk carriers transporting iron ore and coal.

This is the first time KEYS Azalea has refueled a cruise ship, and it is also the first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation for a cruise ship in Japan.

The ASUKA III, operated by NYK Line, is a cruise vessel fitted with engines that can run on three different types of fuel, including LNG.

The ship-to-ship technique used for bunkering involved directly connecting a hose from the LNG bunkering vessel to the cruise ship, enabling a safe and efficient fuel transfer.

KEYS Bunkering West Japan Ltd. said it will continue to deliver LNG bunkering services in a safe and stable manner. The company aims to support the expansion of LNG fuel usage and help build a carbon-neutral society in Japan.

The ownership of KEYS Bunkering West Japan Ltd. is shared by Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. (40%), NYK Line (40%), ITOCHU ENEX CO., LTD. (15%), and Saibu Gas Co., Ltd. (5%). The company is engaged in the sales of LNG fuel and is the owner of the LNG bunkering vessel.

Reference: NYK Line

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