MLIT has launched a feasibility study for LNG bunkering in the port of Yokohama. This is the first LNG bunkering facility development project in Japan. MLIT is aiming at the establishment of a LNG bunkering hub in Yokohama, harmonizing with other environmentally advanced ports in the region.
Japan is the world’s largest LNG importing country and major Japanese ports already have several LNG tanks.Last year, NYK Line introduced a LNG fueled tug boat in the port of Yokohama and Toyko Gas – one of the major gas companies in Japan – supplied the LNG to the tug boat from the LNG truck.
The port of Yokohama is designated as an International Container Hub by MLIT along with the ports of Kobe, Osaka, Tokyo and Kawasaki. In March 2016, MLIT, Yokohama City Office and Kawasaki City Office established YKIP – Yokohama Kawasaki International Port Corporation – a new government owned port operating company headed by Mr. Masamichi Morooka, ex-chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) to strengthen the operational capability of these ports.
At the G7 Kitakyushu Energy Ministers Meeting (EMM) hosted as a side event to the Group of Seven (G7) Leaders’ Meeting (Ise-Shima Summit) in May 2016, the Japanese Government announced a “Strategy for LNG Market Development” and the promotion of LNG bunkering was launched as a part of this strategy.
In response to this, MLIT established a new steering committee for LNG bunkering in the port of Yokohama in cooperation with Tokyo Gas, NYK Line, YKIP and related authorities. The kicking off meeting of the steering committee will be held on 9th June. The steering committee is going to formulate a facility development plan by the end of this year.
MLIT is aiming at establishing a LNG bunkering hub in Yokohama, harmonizing with other environmentally advanced ports in the region.
The List of Members of the Steering Committee:
- Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.
- Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line)
- Yokohama Kawasaki International Port Co., Ltd.
- Yokohama City Office
- The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy
- Ministry for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
- Japan Coast Guard
Source:MLIT
