TOKYO: Japan’s Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation, or YKIP, is the latest company to join SEA\LNG, a multi-sector industry coalition aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of LNG as a marine fuel, SEA\LNG said in a statement.
This comes at a time when Japan, the world’s largest LNG importer which accounts for about 35% of global demand, is set to play a significant role in LNG bunkering as the marine industry turns to cleaner fuel options to comply with stricter environmental regulations, including the International Maritime Organization’s 2020 global sulfur cap.
LNG far exceeds alternative options in terms of emissions reductions, as it emits zero sulfur oxides and virtually no particulate matter. It can also emit 90% less nitrogen oxide than heavy marine fuel oil, according to SEA\LNG.
With the use of best practices and appropriate technologies to minimize methane leakage, LNG offers the potential for up to a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, SEA\LNG said.
Designated by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, or MLIT, as the official operating company for the Keihin ports serving Yokohama and Kawasaki, YKIP manages integrated operations at container terminals in the Yokohama and Kawasaki area.
“From a geographical perspective, the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki are perfectly placed to serve as the first or last bunkering points on the Asian side of the Trans-Pacific route. Since August 2015, the port of Yokohama has accommodated an LNG-fueled tugboat, NYK-owned Sakigake, which has provided us with LNG bunkering experience and enabled YKIP to develop its understanding of technical improvements and safety management,” Masamichi Morooka, president and CEO of Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation, said in the statement.
“Working with the SEA\LNG coalition, we aim to play our part in encouraging adoption of LNG across the globe and increase awareness of the advantages for ports,” he added.
YKIP is the second Japanese organization to join the SEA\LNG coalition, following the addition of Marubeni Corporation in May.
Since its launch in July 2016, SEA\LNG’s membership has expanded to 26 members, comprising shipping companies, LNG suppliers, infrastructure providers, classification societies, downstream companies, major ports and original equipment manufacturers.
