Asia/Pacific News
Japan LP Gas Association Looks to LPG Bunkering to Spur Demand, Meet 2020 Sulfur Regs
In preparation for tightening sulfur regulations on marine fuel in 2020 and as a way to spur further demand, the Japan LP Gas Association has begun looking into liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a possible bunker fuel, Platts reports.
Osamu Masuda, the association's Vice Chairman, announced the development Tuesday at a press briefing.
"We have started studying the possibility of LPG as a bunkering fuel as part of the association['s efforts] to expand demand," explained Masuda, adding: "we still have many issues needed to be resolved and taking into account for consideration.
"While we still have time until 2020, we intend to examine every possibility and work as the industry as a whole to cultivate demand."
Masuda further commented that, while LPG bunkering still has "technologically very high hurdles" to overcome, the LPG industry is optimistic that the fuel can become a viable bunkering option.
As Ship & Bunker reported in March, speaking as the president of Astomos Energy Corporation (Astomos), Masuda has said Astomos was intending to work with Japan's other top LPG importers to explore the feasibility of establishing LPG bunkering ahead of 2020.
