The Japanese based Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. (Osaka Gas) announce that it has launched its shore-to-ship LNG bunkering service and becoming the first gas utility company in Japan to offer liquefied natural gas (LNG) at its terminal to vessels utilizing this cleaner fuel.
Osaka Gas states that the first delivery took place on Monday at the Osaka Gas’ Senboku LNG Terminal in Takaishi City, Osaka Prefecture, where LNG was supplied to the bulk carrier VERDE HERALDO being an LNG-fueled vessel operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL).
The bulk carrier VERDE HERALDO serves JFE Steel Corporation by transporting raw materials essential for steel production.
With the launch of this shore-to-ship service, in addition to its existing truck-to-ship LNG bunkering service operational since 2019, Osaka Gas enhances its LNG fuel delivery capabilities to address the current scarcity of facilities in Japan that can supply LNG to vessels.
The company’s future plans also include the introduction of a ship-to-ship LNG bunkering service utilizing dedicated LNG bunkering vessel, scheduled to commence in fiscal 2026 the company mentions.
These supply methods aim to provide a stable and flexible LNG fuel supply to an increasing number of LNG-fueled vessels as the maritime industry transitions away from heavy fuel oil. This growth in LNG-fueled vessels is driven by global decarbonization trends and the International Maritime
Organization’s target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
