Japanese energy solutions provider Kyushu Electric Power (Kyuden) has teamed up in long term transport agreements with com-patriot shipping companies NYK and MOL to deploy the world’s first LNG-fueled large coal carriers.
Under the deal, the LNG-fueled large coal carriers, jointly operated by NYK and MOL, will import coal to Kyuden’s coal-fired power plants.
The LNG procured for Kyuden’s thermal power plants will be supplied to the vessels as fuel at the loading facility of Kitakyushu Liquefied Natural Gas Co., Inc., a 75% owned subsidiary of Kyuden.
This forms part of the three companies’ ambition to collaborate for sustainable marine transportation of coal, with the reduction of its environmental impact, as well as the implementation of LNG as an environment friendly fuel.
The use of LNG fuel is expected to virtually eliminate SOx emissions and reduce approximately 80% of NOx emissions, as well as 30% of CO2 emissions, in comparison with traditional marine fuels.