Asia/Pacific News
NYK Plans First Japan-Built LNG-Powered Tug
Japanese shipping line Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha [TYO:9101] (NYK Line) says a new dual-fuel tugboat will be the first vessel other than a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier built in Japan that will run on LNG.
The project will receive support from the Japanese government, and Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd. will supply the LNG and arrange for a supply system for the fuel.
"NYK has enhanced its initiatives to mitigate environmental loads through the practical realization of environment-responsive technologies such as solar-powered systems and air-lubrication systems," the company said.
"In 2011, NYK established a team in the company's Fuel Group to research next-generation fuel alternatives to heavy oil… LNG received attention as a possible alternative to heavy oil because LNG does not emit any SOX and produces far less CO2 and NOX compared to heavy oil."
Earlier this year, Korea Gas Corp. (Kogas) and the Japan Gas Association discussed the possible fuelling of ferries operating between South Korea and Japan with LNG.
