Marubeni Corporation announced the launch of a joint feasibility study with Thailand’s national petroleum company, PTT Public Company Limited, to implement LNG bunkering in Laem Chabang Port, the largest industrial port in Thailand.
The study aims to respond to the increase of LNG fueled ships, as a result from the tightening of environmental regulations from 2020.
In Laem Chabang Port, where more than 8,000 ships arrive and leave annually, a third expansion plan is being implemented with the demand for LNG bunkering expected to grow in this area due to increased exports and global regulations.
The joint study will verify the feasibility of an LNG bunkering project that utilizes a fuel supply ship that is compatible with an existing PTT managed LNG receiving terminal in Map Ta Phut, located in Rayong, approximately 200km southeast of Bangkok. This area is called the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in Thailand, a special economic zone where infrastructure development is being strategically implemented.
The Japanese government is expressing its support and contributing to infrastructure development in the area to help bolster Thailand’s industrial development. Marubeni says it will also contribute to infrastructure development in the EEC and will promote the conversion to LNG.
