NYK Trials System to Cut Methane Slip on LNG Bunker Vessel

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Tuesday May 19, 2026

Japanese shipping firm NYK Line has started onboard trials of a methane oxidation catalyst system designed to reduce methane slip from LNG-fuelled ship engines.

The system has been installed onboard LNG bunker vessel Keys Azalea, NYK Line said in a statement on its website on Thursday.

Methane slip occurs when part of the methane used as fuel in LNG engines is not fully burned and escapes through the exhaust.

While LNG can reduce CO2 and sulphur emissions compared with conventional marine fuels, unburned methane released from engines is a potent greenhouse gas that can reduce some of LNG’s environmental benefits.

According to NYK, the catalyst system works by oxidising methane contained in engine exhaust gas before it is released into the atmosphere.

The company said the system achieved more than 90% methane oxidation during onboard measurements as a standalone exhaust treatment unit.

Earlier land-based engine tests recorded methane removal rates of at least 70%.

The full-scale prototype will remain onboard Keys Azalea for a one-year demonstration period while the vessel operates mainly in Japan’s Kyushu and Seto Inland Sea regions under normal trading conditions.

The vessel is owned by Keys Bunkering West Japan and managed by Taiheiyo Enkai Kisen, part of the NYK Group.

The project is being carried out together with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Machinery & Equipment, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and Daihatsu Infinearth.

Ship & Bunker News Team
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