NYK: Strong Market Expected for First LNG Bunkering Vessel

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Thursday July 3, 2014

Nippon Yusen Kaisha Line (NYK) says its planned liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering vessel, the world's first, will find a ready market for the fuel in Northern Europe, where about 50 LNG-powered vessels are already in operation and more are expected soon.

The construction and operation of the vessel is the first part of an agreement between NYK, GDF SUEZ S.A., and Mitsubishi Corp., which plan to support LNG bunkering worldwide with bunkering vessels.

The vessel will operate at the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium starting in 2016, delivering LNG bunkers to vessels operating mostly in the North Sea and Baltic Sea.

With about 250 million tonnes of heavy fuel oil (HFO) now sold each year for bunkers, NYK predicts a growing need for LNG bunkering as ships shift to that fuel.

"To support the increasing number of LNG-fueled vessels in operation, the challenge is to develop and improve the supply infrastructure," the company said.

"LNG bunkering vessels can access and supply a variety of customers across a wide maritime area, and they can do so more promptly and efficiently than can LNG supply facilities on land.

"Thus, LNG-fuel sales are expected to thrive."